House Oversight Committee Votes To Subpoena Pam Bondi Over Handling Of Epstein Investigation

The House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi as part of its ongoing investigation into the federal government’s handling of the case involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a bipartisan vote on Wednesday, the Republican-led committee approved the subpoena 24–19, requiring Bondi to testify in a closed-door deposition before lawmakers. Members of both political parties have been pressing for her testimony for months amid growing concerns about transparency surrounding the release of Epstein-related records.

The committee’s action represents the latest development in a widening congressional inquiry into how the Department of Justice managed documents connected to Epstein’s criminal network and associates.

Concerns Over Delayed and Incomplete Document Release

The investigation intensified after the Department of Justice missed a legally mandated deadline to release files related to Epstein’s activities.

Although the DOJ ultimately published more than three million documents earlier in 2026, investigators from the House Oversight Committee estimate that the released material represents only about half of the total records held by the department.

Lawmakers from both parties say the incomplete disclosure has raised serious questions about how the documents were handled.

“The American public has significant questions about the DOJ and their process for releasing the files,” said Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat.

“I think it’s important that the attorney general appear before this committee and answer questions about transparency and the protection of survivors.”

Dispute Over Redactions and Sensitive Material

Another source of controversy involves how the documents were redacted before their release.

Lawmakers and victim advocates say some records were made public without properly protecting the identities of Epstein’s survivors, potentially violating provisions of the Epstein Transparency Act, which required that such information be redacted.

At the same time, critics say the DOJ removed the names of certain individuals who were not victims, prompting accusations from some members of Congress that the department may have shielded influential figures connected to the case.

Some survivors of Epstein’s abuse have also criticized the handling of the files, arguing that the release created confusion and undermined accountability.

Top Democrats have gone further, accusing the Justice Department of participating in what they describe as a possible cover-up of key information tied to Epstein’s network.

Bipartisan Support for the Subpoena

The motion to subpoena Bondi was introduced by Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina.

Mace has repeatedly called for greater transparency in the Epstein investigation and previously supported a discharge petition designed to force congressional consideration of the Epstein Transparency Act.

The subpoena vote drew support from several Republicans who joined Democrats, including:

• Lauren Boebert
• Tim Burchett
• Michael Cloud
• Scott Perry

Their votes helped form the bipartisan coalition that ultimately approved the subpoena.

Meanwhile, the committee’s Republican chairman, James Comer, said Bondi had already offered to provide lawmakers with a private briefing about the document release.

However, many committee members said that briefing would not replace formal testimony under oath.

Broader Investigation Into Epstein Network

The subpoena is part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein’s network of associates and the federal government’s handling of the case.

On Tuesday, Comer sent letters requesting interviews from several individuals connected to Epstein or his business dealings.

Among those asked to participate in transcribed interviews is billionaire Bill Gates. Former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler has also been contacted by investigators.

The committee is also expected to interview Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later this month in a closed-door deposition.

Questions About Ghislaine Maxwell Prison Transfer

Another issue drawing congressional scrutiny involves the prison transfer of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Maxwell, who is serving a federal sentence for her role in Epstein’s trafficking operation, was moved to a minimum-security prison in Texas shortly after meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Lawmakers have questioned who authorized the transfer and whether it followed standard procedures.

During testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in February 2026, Bondi said she did not personally approve the decision.

No Date Yet for Bondi Testimony

As of March 5, 2026, the House Oversight Committee has not scheduled a date for Bondi’s deposition.

If the testimony proceeds as planned, lawmakers are expected to question the attorney general about:

• The delay in releasing Epstein files
• Redaction decisions made by the Justice Department
• The protection of victims’ identities
• Decisions related to Maxwell’s prison placement

The deposition will likely take place behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the documents involved.

Continuing Questions Around Epstein Case

The renewed congressional scrutiny reflects the enduring public interest surrounding Epstein’s crimes and the individuals who may have been connected to his activities.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, leaving many questions unanswered about the extent of his network.

The Oversight Committee’s investigation aims to clarify how federal authorities handled the case and whether additional information about Epstein’s associates remains undisclosed.

With the subpoena now approved, lawmakers say they hope Bondi’s testimony will provide greater clarity about one of the most controversial investigations in recent U.S. history.