House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has issued subpoenas to the Department of Justice (DOJ) along with several notable former government officials. This list includes former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The committee members are pushing for investigations related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The subpoenas follow a recent bipartisan subcommittee decision to demand the DOJ provide the “full, complete, unredacted Epstein Files.” This decision saw support from three Republicans joining the Democratic-led initiative. Additionally, there was a Republican motion to subpoena the 10 former U.S. officials, which received approval through a voice vote.
According to committee rules, Comer was required to issue these subpoenas, which pertain to both Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s case.
In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Comer directs the DOJ to deliver the documents pursuant to the Epstein subpoena by Aug. 19.
In a letter to Bondi, Comer emphasized the importance of Congress conducting oversight on the federal government’s enforcement of sex trafficking laws, especially concerning the cases of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell. The aim is to ensure public disclosure of further information by the Department.
Comer stated that the committee might use the findings from this investigation to guide legislative actions aimed at enhancing federal efforts against sex trafficking and revising the use of non-prosecution or plea agreements in such investigations.
Additionally, Comer has announced the issuance of subpoenas to 10 high-profile former government officials including the Clintons, former FBI Director James Comey, former Attorneys General Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, as well as former FBI Director and special counsel Robert Mueller, and former Attorneys General William Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales.
The Oversight panel also subpoenaed Maxwell, the longtime associate of Epstein, but last week agreed to delay deposing her until after the Supreme Court considers her petition to overturn her conviction for sex trafficking.
Comer set dates for depositions of the officials, which have the possibility of changing based on negotiations with attorneys:
Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr: Aug. 18
Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales: Aug. 26
Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions: Aug. 28
Former FBI Director Robert Mueller: Sept. 2
Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch: Sept. 9
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder: Sept. 30
Former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland: Oct. 2
Former FBI Director James Comey: Oct. 7
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: Oct. 9
Former President Clinton: Oct. 14
