Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced legislation on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, to establish a Truth and Accountability Commission to investigate what he describes as abuses of power by the Trump administration. The proposed 11-member body would examine a range of executive branch actions, including the administration's decision to launch a war in Iran without congressional authorization and allegations that the Trump family used public office for private financial gain.
The bill follows previous legislative efforts by Khanna, such as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which he co-authored with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and which President Trump signed into law in 2025. Khanna stated that the new commission is necessary to ensure the rule of law is followed and to hold individuals accountable for potential illegal acts rather than "moving on."
The commission's mandate would include investigating unreleased files related to deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, shootings and other uses of force by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, and the firing of federal employees under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The commission would consist of a chairperson selected by the president, four members selected by House and Senate leaders, and others chosen from lists provided by state attorneys general from both parties.
The investigation would encompass actions across the executive branch during the Trump presidency, which is scheduled to conclude in January 2029. While specific budget figures were not reported, the commission's structure involves 11 members and cooperation across state and federal jurisdictions. Findings could lead to the release of previously classified Epstein-related documents and could result in the referral of administration officials for prosecution if the commission finds evidence of law-breaking.
Khanna indicated that the commission's work could set a standard for voter expectations in the 2028 presidential race. The bill's progress likely depends on the outcome of the November midterm elections; Khanna stated he believes some Republicans will support the commission if they lose their majorities. The legislation has been introduced in the House, but no dates for committee hearings or floor votes have been scheduled. The commission would only be formed if the bill passes both chambers of Congress and is signed into law.