A senior House Democrat is urging swift action against former Attorney General Pam Bondi after she failed to appear for a scheduled congressional deposition tied to the handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files—raising the prospect of a contempt of Congress battle in Washington.
Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, formally warned Chairman James Comer that any effort to evade the subpoena “must be met with measures to hold Ms. Bondi in contempt of Congress,” according to correspondence reported by Newsweek.
Garcia rejected arguments that Bondi’s recent departure from the Department of Justice nullifies her obligation to testify. “The subpoena requires her to appear regardless of her departure,” he wrote, adding that lawmakers could move “immediately” toward contempt proceedings if she continues to refuse.
Bondi had been scheduled to testify on April 14 before the House Oversight Committee regarding her role in overseeing the release of Epstein-related records. The request for her testimony drew bipartisan backing, including from Republicans such as Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Nancy Mace, and Scott Perry.
However, the Department of Justice, now under interim leadership following Bondi’s removal by Donald Trump, contends the subpoena no longer applies. Officials argue Bondi was summoned in her official capacity, and since she no longer holds office, she is not legally required to comply.
Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis communicated that position to lawmakers, stating the subpoena “no longer obligates her to appear.” The DOJ reiterated it remains willing to cooperate with Congress under revised terms.
The dispute underscores broader tensions over the federal government’s handling of Epstein records. Despite releasing millions of pages, the DOJ has faced bipartisan criticism over delays, redactions, and limits on further disclosures.
Bondi herself had previously pledged transparency but later backed a decision to halt additional voluntary releases—fueling backlash from lawmakers and survivors. Congress subsequently advanced legislation mandating broader disclosure of Epstein-related materials.
In earlier hearings, lawmakers from both parties pressed Bondi over her oversight of the process, with critics noting she declined to apologize directly to victims present.
Republicans on the committee say they are working with Bondi’s legal team to reschedule her testimony, potentially in a personal capacity. No new date has been confirmed.
Whether contempt proceedings move forward may hinge on bipartisan support—an uncertain prospect despite growing frustration across party lines.
The committee’s investigation continues to widen, with prominent figures including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Gates expected to provide information as scrutiny intensifies over the Epstein case and its lingering political fallout.
