The House oversight and government reform committee has announced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear before the panel on May 29 to answer questions about the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and its release of the Epstein files. The announcement came shortly after Democrats on the committee filed a civil contempt resolution against Bondi for failing to appear for a deposition earlier this month.
Contempt Resolution Filed
On Wednesday morning, Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, announced the contempt resolution, stating that Bondi had "illegally defied our committee, skipped her deposition, and has refused to cooperate." Garcia added that Democrats introduced the measure "to hold her accountable." Bondi was subpoenaed by the committee last month while still serving as attorney general.
Subpoena Background
In the subpoena letter, Representative James Comer, the Republican committee chair, wrote that there were "questions regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his associates and its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act." The DOJ has faced criticism for missing the December 19 deadline to release the files, eventually releasing what it claimed were full files on January 31. Survivors of Epstein's abuse have raised concerns about improper disclosure of sensitive personal information, and lawmakers have criticized redactions in the documents. The department maintains it acted lawfully.
Legal Dispute Over Subpoena
Earlier this month, after Donald Trump removed Bondi from her role, the House committee was informed that Bondi would not appear for the scheduled deposition. Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis argued in a letter to Comer that the subpoena no longer applied because it was issued to Bondi in her official capacity as attorney general, and she no longer holds that office. Davis stated that "the department's position is that the subpoena no longer obligates her to appear on April 14."
Democrats' Response
In his Wednesday statement, Garcia emphasized that "Bondi has extensive personal knowledge about the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files, and regardless of her job title, her testimony and cooperation are crucial." After the contempt action was announced, a committee spokesperson called the charges "completely unnecessary" and confirmed Bondi's May 29 appearance. Oversight Democrats responded on social media, noting that just 45 minutes after they filed contempt charges, the GOP finally announced a date for her appearance. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
