Congress Eyes FBI Director Subpoena in 1-Year Epstein Probe as DOJ Files Rollout Draws Fire
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 9
Congress Eyes FBI Director Subpoena in 1-Year Epstein Probe as DOJ Files Rollout Draws Fire
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 9
Summary
One year after the House Epstein inquiry began, committee Democrats are preparing to subpoena FBI Director Kash Patel and recall some voluntary witnesses for sworn depositions, including Pam Bondi.
Lawmakers say the probe is continuing because the Justice Department still has not fully complied with the law requiring disclosure of Epstein materials, after a rollout marked by heavy redactions and mistaken releases of victim information.
Any criminal referrals from Congress would be only advisory, leaving charging decisions to the Trump administration, while compelling testimony from a sitting president is seen as highly unlikely.
The investigation grew out of a surprise bipartisan Oversight vote that forced Epstein files to Congress, followed in November by near-unanimous passage of the Massie-Khanna transparency law after Trump relented.
Even some Republicans doubt the effort will produce a clean ending, with Rep. Thomas Massie calling it cover for DOJ inaction and Rep. Tim Burchett warning Washington may drag the case out for years.