House Oversight Committee Votes to Subpoena Attorney General Bondi Over Epstein Files

The House Oversight Committee voted 24-19 on Wednesday to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding she testify about the Department of Justice’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The bipartisan vote was spearheaded by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who has expressed ongoing frustration with what she perceives as the DOJ’s inadequate compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Five Republicans crossed party lines to join Democrats in advancing the subpoena, including Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania.

“The American people want answers, and so do we,” Mace stated in a social media post following the vote.

The subpoena comes nearly six months after President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law in November 2025. The legislation required the Justice Department to release all documents and files related to its investigation of the disgraced financier, with protections to prevent revealing the identities of Epstein’s victims.

Despite Bondi’s public assurances that “all” Epstein files have been released, lawmakers including Mace and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) remain unconvinced, believing the DOJ is still withholding significant documentation.

Bondi has drawn criticism since early in Trump’s second term after stating she had a list of Epstein accomplices “sitting on my desk right now,” which raised expectations about swift transparency that critics say has not materialized.

The Justice Department eventually released a trove of Epstein documents in December 2025, which included over 300 high-profile names associated with the late financier. However, congressional skepticism persists about whether the department has fully complied with the transparency requirements mandated by law.

Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 death while in custody on sex trafficking charges left numerous unanswered questions about his extensive network of wealthy and powerful associates. Public demands for accountability regarding potential co-conspirators have remained strong in the years since his death.

During his campaign, President Trump promised to deliver justice and transparency in the Epstein case, making the current controversy politically sensitive for his administration. The DOJ’s response to congressional demands has been scrutinized against the backdrop of these campaign promises.

Epstein’s connections spanned global elites across business, politics, and entertainment, with his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell currently serving a prison sentence for her role in facilitating his crimes. The continued interest in Epstein’s network reflects broader public concern about whether powerful figures may have escaped accountability for potential involvement in his criminal activities.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the subpoena. The committee has not yet announced when Bondi will be scheduled to appear.

This latest development represents an escalation in the ongoing tension between Congress and the Justice Department over the Epstein files. The unusual bipartisan nature of the vote suggests that concerns about transparency in this case transcend typical partisan divides, reflecting the significant public interest in full disclosure of Epstein’s connections and activities.

The committee’s action comes amid increased scrutiny of how Epstein’s influence may have compromised various institutions and individuals in positions of power, including former government officials.