Pam Bondi to Miss Scheduled House Deposition on Epstein Files, Justice Department Confirms
The Justice Department has announced that former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear at a scheduled House hearing next week to discuss the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the release of related files. This decision follows her recent ouster from the attorney general position by former President Donald Trump.
Committee Subpoena and Official Response
In a statement shared with the Guardian, a spokesperson for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee revealed that the Justice Department stated Bondi would not attend the deposition set for April 14. The department argued that since Bondi was subpoenaed in her official capacity as attorney general and no longer holds that office, the subpoena no longer obligates her to appear.
A letter from Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis to Committee Chair James Comer, a Kentucky congressman, emphasized this point, requesting confirmation that the subpoena is withdrawn. However, sources indicate the subpoena has not been formally withdrawn, leaving the matter unresolved.
Background of the Subpoena and Investigation
The committee formally subpoenaed Bondi last month, citing questions about the Justice Department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Comer's subpoena letter highlighted Bondi's direct oversight role in the release of files related to Epstein, a financier accused of sex trafficking. The department missed the act's December 19 deadline, only releasing what it claimed were complete files on January 31, sparking complaints from Epstein victims about exposed sensitive information.
This subpoena followed a March 4 vote where five Republicans joined Democrats to approve the motion. At the time, the Justice Department under Bondi dismissed the subpoena as completely unnecessary.
Political Reactions and Survivor Outcry
After Bondi's removal, Committee Chair Comer indicated he would consult with Republican members and the Justice Department on next steps. In a bipartisan move, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Nancy Mace urged Comer to ensure Bondi complies with the subpoena, stating that her removal does not diminish the committee's oversight interests.
Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, responded to the news by asserting that the subpoena applies to Bondi regardless of her official status. He warned that defiance could lead to contempt charges in Congress, emphasizing that survivors deserve justice.
Epstein victims, such as Maria and Annie Farmer, expressed anger over the potential delay, questioning how much longer they must wait for answers. Khanna echoed this sentiment, vowing to continue the fight for accountability amidst what he called a cover-up.
Next Steps and Ongoing Oversight
The committee plans to contact Bondi's personal counsel to discuss rescheduling her deposition. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in the Epstein case, with bipartisan pressure mounting for Bondi's testimony to proceed without further obstruction.
