House Republicans Subpoena DOJ on Epstein Files, Defying Leadership

Deep Rifts Emerge Over Release of Damning Information

A House subcommittee has subpoenaed the Department of Justice for files concerning Jeffrey Epstein, igniting significant discord within the Republican party and challenging Speaker Mike Johnson‘s attempts to control the release of sensitive information.

Subpoena Forces DOJ’s Hand

In a dramatic move, a House Oversight subcommittee voted 8-2 to compel the Justice Department to produce records related to the convicted sex offender’s investigation. This action bypasses Speaker Johnson‘s previous stance against an immediate House vote on the matter.

The subpoena, initiated by Democratic Rep. Summer Lee, demands the Epstein files, with provisions for redacting victim names. It also seeks communications between former Biden administration officials and the DOJ regarding the case, along with depositions from prominent figures like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and former FBI Director James Comey.

Internal Republican Discord Surfaces

The vote revealed a stark division among Republicans, with three members — Nancy Mace, Scott Perry, and Brian Jack — joining all four Democrats and ranking member Robert Garcia to approve the subpoena. House Oversight Chair James Comer is expected to sign the subpoena, as per committee rules.

Scott Perry explained his vote, stating, “I just think it’s important that the American people know what’s occurred.” He remained firm on his long-held views regarding the controversy, even as Donald Trump urged public movement beyond the Epstein issue.

The subpoena could lead to the disclosure of more extensive records than those presented to the grand jury, potentially including documents referencing Trump. Sources indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed Trump in May that his name appeared in files reviewed by the department, though the context remains unclear.

Subcommittee Chairman Clay Higgins noted uncertainty about the timing of the subpoena’s issuance.

Senate Republicans Signal Lack of Interest

Meanwhile, key Senate Republican committee chairs have indicated they will not pursue investigations into the Epstein matter. This stance reflects a broader reluctance among Senate Republicans to engage with the contentious issue.

Senator Rand Paul, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, declared, “No, the answer is no. Not on our agenda.”

Senator Ron Johnson, who leads the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation, also expressed disinterest in leading an inquiry. “I think there’s enough people looking at it and I try not to duplicate efforts,” Johnson commented, adding, “Listen, I’m as curious as anybody. I mean the whole situation is odd.”

Johnson acknowledged, “I can understand President Trump’s frustration, but also understand the American public’s interest in what happened here.”

Senator Chuck Grassley of the Senate Judiciary Committee stated, “Other people are doing it. I’ve got enough other things that I’m worried about.” He is awaiting potential DOJ actions on unsealing grand jury transcripts and anticipates the Epstein issue will be a topic during Bondi‘s upcoming testimony.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has deferred to committee chairs regarding investigations, suggesting that a full Senate inquiry is unlikely without their initiative.

Maxwell Subpoenaed for Deposition

Earlier on Wednesday, James Comer also issued a subpoena for a deposition from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate. Trump‘s Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to meet with Maxwell on Thursday.

Maxwell received a 20-year prison sentence in 2022 for her role in a long-standing scheme with Epstein to groom and abuse underage girls. The complexity of these ongoing investigations underscores the far-reaching implications of the Epstein network, with numerous individuals facing scrutiny.

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Nicky Robertson and Molly English contributed to this report.