Bondi Subpoena Stands: Congress Demands Epstein Files Testimony

Congress Insists on Bondi Testimony Despite AG Departure

WASHINGTON D.C. – Even though Pam Bondi is no longer Florida’s Attorney General, a key Democratic Congressman insists she must still testify before the House Oversight Committee. Representative Suhas Subramaniam of Virginia stated that a subpoena issued to Bondi regarding her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files remains valid. The committee has a lot of unanswered questions, and they expect her to appear for a sworn deposition.

Subpoena Validity and Committee Expectations

Subramaniam clarified that the subpoena applies to Bondi regardless of her current employment status. “The subpoena still applies to Bondi whether or not she is in the administration, and we absolutely expect her to show up and show up for a deposition under a penalty of perjury,” he said. He emphasized that this was a bipartisan subpoena, and the committee expects full compliance.

“We still have a lot of questions about her handling of the Epstein files. And so this was a bipartisan subpoena, and we expect her to show up.”

– Rep. Suhas Subramaniam

Concerns Over Enforcement and Republican Stance

The Congressman voiced concerns about the committee’s enforcement of subpoenas, particularly mentioning Chairman Comer’s previous stance. Subramaniam described a past closed-door hearing with Bondi as a “sham,” where she was not forthcoming with answers. He believes the same standards should apply if she fails to comply with the current subpoena. He also expressed interest in seeing how other Republicans, like Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who also want Bondi to testify, will push their party to enforce the subpoena.

Senator Tillis Sets Standard for Next Attorney General

In related news, Republican Senator Tom Tillis recently outlined his expectations for the next Attorney General. He stated that anyone who excuses the events of January 6th would not meet his threshold. This statement comes as the Republican party has largely lined up behind Donald Trump’s picks for cabinet positions.

Subramaniam commented on this dynamic, suggesting the Republican Party remains loyal to Trump. He proposed his own standard for evaluating candidates: whether they prioritize the American people, the law, and the Constitution over the whims of the president. He believes that Trump seeks individuals who will simply follow his orders, citing the past consideration of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General as an example where character and qualifications seemed secondary.

Epstein Investigation and Potential Witnesses

The discussion also touched upon the ongoing Epstein investigation. Democrats are considering bringing in Jen Shah, a former reality TV star who was imprisoned with Ghislaine Maxwell. Subramaniam expressed openness to speaking with Shah if she possesses relevant information. He specifically wants to understand why Maxwell was moved to a minimum-security prison after meeting with Todd Blanche, who is now serving as acting Attorney General.

Shah has reportedly stated that Maxwell showed no remorse during their prison conversations. Subramaniam is keen to learn if Maxwell shared any significant information with other inmates.

US Pilot Search in Iran and Defense Spending

The conversation shifted to breaking news regarding a U.S. official’s report of a search for an American pilot inside Iran. While the circumstances of the jet’s disappearance are unclear, Subramaniam offered his condolences to the pilot’s family. He highlighted the inherent dangers of operating in Iranian airspace, even with perceived air superiority.

He also addressed the Trump administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 and a potential $200 billion supplemental bill for the Iran conflict. Subramaniam questioned the necessity of such large sums, especially when contrasted with domestic needs like Medicaid, healthcare affordability, and child nutrition. He argued that the significant funding request for the Iran war suggests it is far from over.

Priorities: War vs. Domestic Needs

“How did we not have the money for Medicaid? How do we not have the money to feed kids or to make health care more affordable? Yet we have the money to continue this war,” Subramaniam stated. He contrasted the administration’s focus on funding ICE and continuing “forever wars” with the Democrats’ priority of improving the lives of American citizens. He believes this contrast will be a significant issue in upcoming elections, including a referendum in Virginia on redrawing congressional maps.

Source: Oversight Dem: Bondi still needs to testify on Epstein files, even if she’s not AG (YouTube)