Why the Epstein files won't be released as soon as the law is signed

"Driving the news: The House and Senate voted to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Tuesday, sending it to Trump's desk. The bill would compel the Justice Department to release all files and documents - including flight logs and unclassified records - about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to the public, with some major exceptions Reality check: Several roadblocks stand in the way of the public seeing the files in their entirety. Here's why they may never see the light of day. DOJ's active investigation into Clinton, others Zoom in: The Epstein Files Transparency Act's language outlines how the attorney general could hold off from sharing the files."

"The bill says that any records or information that "would jeopardize an active federal investigation or prosecution" can be withheld or redacted. Last week, Trump called on the DOJ to launch an investigation into Epstein's ties to former President Bill Clinton, officials at JPMorgan Chase and others. Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed the DOJ would investigate Epstein's ties to "people and institutions," including LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and economist Larry Summers, who resigned from OpenAI's board Wednesday."

"What they're saying: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), the sponsor of the House bill, told ABC's "This Week" that the DOJ's new investigation might be a "smokescreen" and "a last-ditch effort to prevent the release of the Epstein files." "If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released," he said."

The House and Senate approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act and sent it to the president, who said he would sign if it reached his desk but has not yet done so. The legislation would require the Justice Department to release Epstein-related records, including flight logs and unclassified documents, while allowing withholding of materials that could jeopardize active federal investigations or prosecutions. The DOJ is launching probes into Epstein's ties to figures and institutions, and some lawmakers warn those investigations could be used to withhold or redact records and limit public access.

Read at Axios