Overview
- The Justice Department told the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday that Pam Bondi will not attend her April 14 deposition because she is no longer attorney general and was subpoenaed in her official role.
- The committee said it will contact Bondi’s personal counsel to set next steps, as Rep. Robert Garcia and Rep. Nancy Mace argued she remains obligated to testify and warned they could seek contempt if she refuses.
- The subpoena passed last month on a bipartisan vote while Bondi was in office, with every Democrat and Republicans Nancy Mace, Tim Burchett, Michael Cloud, Lauren Boebert, and Scott Perry supporting it.
- DOJ contends the order no longer applies since it targeted Bondi’s official capacity, a view challenged by legal analysts and lawmakers who note Congress routinely questions former officials.
- The dispute stems from Congress’s Epstein Files Transparency Act and anger over delays, broad redactions, and thousands of withdrawn records, which survivors say have denied clear answers and accountability.