House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Attorney General Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files

The United States House of Representatives Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding she provide testimony regarding the Department of Justice's management of records linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The motion, introduced by Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, passed on Wednesday with a vote of 24-19, including five Republicans joining Democrats in support.

The committee seeks clarity on how sensitive files were handled during the long-running probe into Epstein's illicit network. Rep. Mace emphasized that 'the American people deserve transparency' and 'survivors deserve justice.' The subpoena follows intense criticism of Bondi for sharing binders containing no new revelations with conservative influencers.

Tensions peaked in July 2025 when the Justice Department claimed no Epstein 'client list' existed, prompting bipartisan congressional action. Since December, the administration has faced backlash over alleged fumbling of the document release process and excessive redactions. Bondi defended the DOJ's handling but faces criticism from within her own party for perceived lack of transparency.

Rep. Thomas Massie argued that taxpayers have a right to know if their dollars were used to settle sexual harassment claims involving Congress members. The move comes after reports that some records, including uncorroborated accusations against President Trump, were not released publicly. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton recently appeared for closed-door depositions regarding Bill's connections to Epstein.

The committee has also sought testimony from other high-profile figures, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who agreed to appear before the panel at a future date. The Justice Department is investigating whether it improperly withheld documents after several news organizations reported missing records involving accusations against Trump.