House Oversight Committee Investigation
119th Congress | U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Scope of Investigation
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by Representative James Comer (R-KY), launched a formal investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case. The investigation encompasses the Department of Justice's handling of the case, the circumstances of the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement, and broader efforts to hold all responsible parties accountable. The committee has exercised its subpoena power to compel testimony from current and former government officials as well as private individuals connected to the case.
Subpoenas (August 2025)
In August 2025, the committee issued subpoenas to 10 individuals, including former Attorneys General, former FBI Directors, and other prominent figures. The subpoenas sought both testimony and documents related to the Epstein case.
Key Testimony & Depositions
Alexander Acosta . Testimony
The former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida testified for approximately six hours about his role in negotiating the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement. Committee Chairman Comer characterized Acosta's testimony as "cooperative." Acosta was questioned about the decision to offer Epstein a state plea deal rather than pursuing federal sex trafficking charges, the blanket co-conspirator immunity clause, and the concealment of the agreement from identified victims.
Ghislaine Maxwell . Deposition
Maxwell was deposed via a virtual closed-door session while incarcerated. She repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned about specific individuals and events. Maxwell appealed for clemency from President Trump, offering full testimony in exchange for a reduced sentence. The committee released a limited summary of the session but withheld the full transcript.
Bill Clinton & Hillary Clinton. Depositions
Both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were deposed by the committee in late February 2026. Bill Clinton denied knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct, maintaining his prior public statements. Hillary Clinton stated that she had never met Epstein. Both depositions were conducted in closed session. On March 2, 2026, the Clinton deposition videos were released publicly.
Chairman Comer Requests 7 Witness Interviews
Chairman Comer requested voluntary transcribed interviews from seven witnesses: Bill Gates (May 19), Leon Black, Kathryn Ruemmler (May 12), Lesley Groff (June 9), Sarah Kellen, Doug Band (May 5), and Ted Waitt (April 16). Gates quickly agreed to appear. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick volunteered to testify before the committee.
DOJ Surveillance & AG Bondi Subpoena
On February 11, 2026, it was revealed that the DOJ had been surveilling lawmakers' Epstein-related search histories. The House Oversight Committee subsequently subpoenaed AG Pam Bondi, with five Republican members breaking ranks to support the subpoena.
Document Releases
The committee has released 33,295 pages of records obtained through its investigation. These include internal DOJ communications, interview transcripts, correspondence between federal agencies, and documents obtained from subpoenaed individuals. The releases are separate from (and in addition to) the document releases mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
DOJ Internal Review
Following an internal review prompted by the congressional investigation, the Department of Justice stated that it "did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." This conclusion has been the subject of significant debate, with critics arguing that the review was narrowly scoped and that the EFTA document releases have since revealed information that warrants further examination.
Investigation Timeline
Key Persons
Related Cases
Landmark legislation requiring federal agencies to release Epstein-related records. Passed alongside the committee investigation.
The 2008 plea deal at the center of the committee's inquiry into DOJ's handling of the Epstein case.
Maxwell's federal conviction; her February 2026 committee deposition sought additional information.
Disclaimer: This page presents information compiled from congressional records, committee press releases, published reporting, and publicly available testimony summaries. Depositions conducted in closed session are described based on committee statements and news reporting. Inclusion of any individual's name does not imply guilt or criminal conduct. Testimony before a congressional committee is subject to interpretation and does not constitute judicial findings. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources, including official committee publications, for complete context.