Newsweek - Epstein Files Update: Lawmaker Doubles Down on Pam Bondi Threat
Representative Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, sent a new letter to Republican Chairman James Comer on Thursday, pressing for action after former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for a deposition on the Jeffrey Epstein files despite being subpoenaed to testify earlier this week.
Garcia wrote in the letter, “Any attempt to evade the subpoena must be met with measures to hold Ms. Bondi in contempt of Congress.”
Pam Bondi Won't Testify: What We Know
Bondi was scheduled to testify before the committee on April 14 over her handling of the Epstein files, following a bipartisan vote to call her to Capitol Hill. In addition to Democrats, several Republican committee members supported the measure, including Representatives Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Michael Cloud, Nancy Mace, and Scott Perry.
President Donald Trump fired Bondi in early April, temporarily handing the role to her deputy, Todd Blanche. Prior to her termination, some Democrats had been pushing for impeachment action against Bondi for months over the department’s rollout of records related to Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting further charges.
The Department of Justice previously told Newsweek in a statement that, as Bondi no longer led the department, the subpoena no longer counted.
“The Department of Justice remains committed to working cooperatively with the Committee, but its subpoena to former AG Bondi was in her official capacity as Attorney General," the DOJ spokesperson said. "Because of the leadership transition at the Department, the subpoena no longer applies.”
In his letter, Garcia notes “the subpoena issued to Ms. Bondi requires her to appear for a deposition, regardless of her departure from DOJ.”
Mace, a South Carolina Republican who has been vocal about her desire for transparency on the Epstein files, urged committee chair Comer, a Kentucky Republican, to uphold the subpoena earlier in April.
"Bondi’s removal as Attorney General doesn’t erase her obligation to testify and does not end Congressional oversight," Mace said. "The American people deserve to know whether Congress was misled and whether information about Jeffrey Epstein and his associates is being withheld. Pam Bondi has answers. Hold the Line."
The House Oversight GOP X account pushed back at Garcia on April 14, writing, "Ranking Member Garcia is a hypocrite. The Clintons defied lawful subpoenas for 7 months and he said NOTHING. He even voted AGAINST holding them in contempt. Now he’s outraged over a rescheduling for a former AG? Garcia's outrage is purely performative."
The DOJ has released millions of pages of Epstein-related records; however, its handling of the disclosures has drawn significant criticism, given delays, heavy redactions and the failure to protect victims’ identities in certain instances.
Lawmakers across both parties, as well as Epstein survivors, have expressed frustration with the department over these issues, leading to calls for Bondi to provide further answers and support ongoing investigations into Epstein and his network.
In March, Comer said in a letter sent to Bondi and the DOJ that there remained "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."
Comer went on to say that Bondi was "directly responsible for overseeing the department’s collection, review, and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act," and therefore possesses "valuable insight into these efforts."
The congressional committee has already invited a number of individuals to provide information for its own investigation into the Epstein case, including billionaire Les Wexner, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Lawmakers have confirmed that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will be testifying about his relationship with Epstein in a hearing scheduled for June 10.
What Is Contempt of Congress?
If Bondi does not appear, Garcia has threatened to file contempt of Congress proceedings against her, meaning members believe she willfully obstructed an investigation.
The offense is a federal misdemeanor, which could lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 12 months in jail.
Contempt filings have been made against high-profile figures linked to the January 6 investigation, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon.
What Happens Next
Garcia ended the letter by urging Comer to schedule Bondi's deposition and "provide transparency into your negotiations to secure a date."