Garcia Slams Lawmakers Over Bondi Testimony Handling

Garcia Criticizes Handling of Bondi Testimony Subpoena

California Congressman Robert Garcia, the Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, has sharply criticized the handling of a subpoena issued to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Garcia stated that the subpoena, which requires Bondi to testify on April 14th regarding the Epstein investigation and related files, was a bipartisan committee decision. He emphasized that the only way to reverse this decision would be for the entire committee to hold another vote, a move he believes would be “incredibly shameful.”

The congressman highlighted key questions that need answers, including why half of the Epstein files have not yet been presented to Congress and why Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a less secure facility. Garcia believes Bondi, who is leaving her office soon, has an opportunity to be honest with Congress and the American people.

Subpoena Process and Bipartisan Support

Garcia reminded that the subpoena for Attorney General Bondi was a decision made by the entire committee. “This subpoena has already gone out,” he stated. “The Attorney General is set to appear on April 14th.” He noted that the initial vote was bipartisan, with all Democrats and some Republicans, including Representative Mace, supporting it.

He expressed confidence that the bipartisan support would hold if a revote were to occur. “I think we would hold those numbers,” Garcia said. “I think it would be, one, incredibly shameful to now somehow want to hide the truth.” He described the idea of re-voting to prevent Bondi from speaking as an insult to the investigation and the survivors who are demanding her testimony.

Expectations for Bondi’s Testimony

When asked about Pam Bondi’s potential approach during testimony, given she is no longer working for the Trump administration, Garcia expressed hope for a different demeanor. “Of course, that would be our hope,” he said. He believes this hearing, focusing exclusively on the Epstein investigation, is something the public and survivors deserve.

Garcia sees this as a crucial opportunity for Bondi to “do right by the survivors, to be honest, to give the full truth under oath.” He suggested that new information could be gained, especially concerning what he described as a “cover-up happening at the White House as it relates to the F-C-U files.” He added, “Now is her chance to actually uplift and support the stories of the survivors.” The committee has prepared “tough questions” for her testimony on April 14th.

Concerns Over Potential AG Replacements

The conversation then shifted to potential replacements for Attorney General Bondi within the Trump administration. Garcia expressed a lack of confidence in any of the potential picks mentioned, citing President Trump’s history of what he called “weaponizing the Department of Justice.”

“Anyone that he selects, particularly from that list, their job is to protect Donald Trump, not to carry out justice,” Garcia stated. He argued that the Attorney General’s role is not to be the president’s lawyer but to serve the people. He pointed to individuals like Todd Blanche, described as Trump’s former personal lawyer and involved in the Epstein files cover-up, as examples of people loyal to Trump being considered.

Broader Concerns About Foreign Policy and Domestic Issues

The congressman also addressed the situation in Iran, expressing concern about a war with “no clear mission, no clear objective and no clear outcome.” While offering thoughts and prayers to those impacted, he argued that President Trump should be focusing on domestic economic issues.

“Donald Trump should be focused on affordability, focused on lowering the cost of gas, lowering the cost of groceries, which are going through the roof,” Garcia urged. He believes billions of dollars spent on foreign wars could be better used to support families, childcare, healthcare, and infrastructure within the United States.

Looking Ahead

The focus remains on Pam Bondi’s upcoming testimony on April 14th. Congressman Garcia and the House Oversight Committee expect her to appear and answer questions regarding the Epstein investigation. The committee is also watching closely for any further developments regarding the Attorney General position and the administration’s foreign policy decisions.

Source: ‘Incredibly shameful’: Rep. Garcia slams lawmakers on handling of Bondi testimony (YouTube)