Patel claims "no credible information" that Epstein trafficked minors to others

Driving the news: Patel, appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, said there is, "no credible information, none" that Epstein "trafficked to other individuals."

• If there was such evidence, Patel emphasized, "I would bring the case yesterday."
• Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) pressed the director, questioning if Epstein trafficked women to "no one," to which Patel replied, "for the information that we have."

Catch up quick: In a memo obtained by Axios in July, the DOJ and FBI stated that there was no "credible evidence" that Epstein blackmailed prominent figures, nor was there any information on which an investigation into "uncharged third parties" should be based.

• It also concluded that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while being held in a Manhattan prison.

Zoom in: Patel said the administration is releasing as much as they can but that they are limited by court orders.

• "I strongly encourage you to do that, Kash," Kennedy said, adding, "This issue is not going to go away."

• Judges who have blocked the release of transcripts and exhibits have said they would unveil no meaningful new information and that the government had failed to identify "special circumstances" that would justify unsealing them.

What we're watching: The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed a number of prominent individuals to testify and obtained documents, including a book of birthday messages, from Epstein's estate amid an ongoing probe.

• And the discharge petition from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on the Epstein files is likely to force a House vote soon.

Go deeper: Patel says "original sin" in Epstein case was Acosta's handling