House Oversight chair orders deposition amid concerns DOJ failed to comply with transparency law deadlines
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer on Tuesday compelled Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify under subpoena, intensifying a congressional probe into how the Department of Justice has handled records tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
The directive, delivered in a formal letter, cites concerns that the department has not fulfilled requirements under a previously enacted law mandating disclosure of Epstein-related materials within a fixed timeline.
Comer wrote that Bondi’s position places her at the center of decisions involving the identification, evaluation, and release of those records, stating, “As Attorney General, you are directly responsible for overseeing the Department’s collection, review, and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the Committee therefore believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts.”
The committee has scheduled Bondi’s deposition for April 14, 2026, following weeks of mounting pressure from lawmakers. A group of Republicans on the panel had already joined Democrats in calling for her testimony prior to the subpoena being issued.
Although the Justice Department has released a portion of the documents since the legislation was passed, lawmakers say a substantial volume remains inaccessible despite the statutory deadline having passed. The delay has prompted bipartisan responses, including discussions led by Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna about pursuing enforcement measures such as inherent contempt proceedings.
Khanna has also suggested impeachment could be considered in response to how the matter has been handled.
Lawmakers were granted limited access to review unredacted materials at the Justice Department, as noted in a recent report, but were restricted in how they could document their findings. The arrangement later became a point of contention after it was revealed that the department tracked which files members reviewed during their visits.
That disclosure drew criticism from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who objected to the monitoring of congressional access.
The Oversight Committee has expanded its inquiry beyond the Justice Department, previously issuing subpoenas to additional figures connected to the Epstein case, including former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton.
The investigation continues as lawmakers seek full compliance with disclosure requirements and further clarification from department leadership regarding the handling of remaining records.
Original article
Comments