ABC Columbia February 17, 2026

Rep. Mace Demands Full Epstein Files Transparency, Pushes Judicial Term Limits

Key Takeaways

▶ Rep. Nancy Mace called for full transparency in Epstein files on ABC Columbia, stating 'We're going to expose it.'
▶ Mace proposed term limits for federal judges, which would require a constitutional amendment approved by Congress and states.
▶ Recent study found Trump DOJ released only 2% of Epstein files despite AG Bondi's claim of releasing 'all' documents.
▶ GOP lawmakers including Massie and Greene have challenged administration's handling of files as congressional pressure mounts.

Rep. Nancy Mace called for complete transparency in the Epstein files and proposed term limits for federal judges during an appearance on ABC Columbia, according to the station’s report.¹ The South Carolina Republican said she would work to bring hidden information about the convicted sex offender’s network to light.

“We’re going to expose it,” Mace said, according to ABC Columbia.¹

Congressional Pressure on DOJ

Mace joins a growing list of lawmakers challenging the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related records. Rep. Thomas Massie has publicly stated he has lost confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership over the files issue.² During congressional testimony, Massie stated Bondi avoided eye contact with Epstein survivors.

Rep. Ro Khanna has called on the DOJ to release unredacted files, writing that members of Epstein’s network “knew enough to know better.”³ Mace previously accused the DOJ of withholding names in the files release.⁴

Attorney General Bondi has stated the department released “all” Epstein files and provided a list of 300 names. An independent analysis found the Trump DOJ released only 2% of Epstein files.

Judicial Term Limits Proposal

Mace also used the ABC Columbia appearance to advocate for term limits on federal judges.¹ Federal judges currently serve lifetime appointments under Article III of the Constitution. Any change would require a constitutional amendment, which demands approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Documents show Epstein expressed sympathy for Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 confirmation hearings, according to emails released by the DOJ.

Republican Divisions Over File Handling

Congressional Republicans have divided over the administration’s handling of the files. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called it a “political miscalculation” by the Trump White House.

The files have prompted resignations across multiple industries. Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer stepped down after being named in documents. Hyatt heir Tom Pritzker resigned from his position after contact with Epstein was documented. Sarah Ferguson filed to close six companies following the publication of her contacts with the financier.

International authorities have taken action. France established a special team to review files for French nationals. UK police launched a national task force to investigate trafficking allegations. New Mexico opened its first full investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.

UN experts have called for an investigation and stated that the files may document crimes against humanity.

Congressional Authority

Congress passed the Epstein Transparency Act in 2025, requiring federal agencies to review and release records related to the case. The FBI began its review following the law’s enactment.

Lawmakers have also issued subpoenas. Congress subpoenaed Peter Mandelson and Les Wexner to testify about their contacts with Epstein.

Mace represents South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District and sits on the House Oversight Committee, which has jurisdiction over government transparency matters.