Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jul 27: In a dramatic escalation of scrutiny, the US House Oversight Committee has launched a fresh inquiry into the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case, demanding unredacted files from the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump and seeking to depose Epstein’s close aide, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Acting just before the House adjourned for its August recess, the committee approved a bipartisan subpoena for key Epstein-related documents. The move comes amid growing calls for transparency around Epstein’s death in 2019 and the alleged failure to fully investigate his high-profile connections.

“We’re going to be more aggressive in trying to get transparency with the Epstein files,” said Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., who confirmed that Republicans are now pushing for the DOJ to hand over files within 30 days. The subpoena also seeks details on prosecutorial decisions, Epstein’s death, and communications involving the presidency or executive officials.

Democrats have insisted on protecting victim identities while demanding broad disclosures, including internal memos and records going back to former AG Alberto Gonzales.

The panel is also attempting to depose Ghislaine Maxwell under oath on August 11 at the Florida federal prison where she is serving time for child sex trafficking. Maxwell has already given 1.5 days of interviews to the DOJ this week, but Democrats warned against taking her words at face value. “She is not a good person and has caused immense harm,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking Democrat.

Adding to the drama, Republicans on the panel have also moved to subpoena several major political figures — including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and multiple past attorneys general.

Legal experts caution that fulfilling the subpoena may involve lengthy negotiations between Congress and the DOJ. Attorney General Pam Bondi, now at the centre of this demand, could face contempt proceedings if she refuses to comply, although such moves across party lines are rare.

The case has triggered divisions within the GOP and brought renewed focus to Trump's reluctance to revisit the Epstein scandal. Still, lawmakers across the aisle are pushing for answers. “We can’t allow individuals, especially those at the highest levels of government, to protect child sex traffickers,” said Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa.

When Congress returns in September, a bipartisan bill seeking public release of the Epstein files is expected to be tabled for a full House vote, further ramping up pressure on the Trump administration to come clean.