Story perspectives

DOJ's Tracking of Lawmakers' Searches Sparks Bipartisan Outcry

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Justice tracked lawmakers' search histories while reviewing Epstein files, prompting bipartisan outrage.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed a document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" listing Rep. Pramila Jayapal's searches.
Jayapal condemned the practice as a violation of the separation of powers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the tracking as inappropriate, and Rep. Jamie Raskin called for an investigation.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972, by operatives linked to President Nixon's campaign. The ensuing cover-up led to Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, and prompted the Privacy Act of 1974 to protect citizens' information. Today, concerns over government surveillance echo the historical fight for privacy and accountability in governance.

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Story summary

The Department of Justice tracked lawmakers' search histories while reviewing Epstein files, prompting bipartisan outrage.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed a document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" listing Rep. Pramila Jayapal's searches.
Jayapal condemned the practice as a violation of the separation of powers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the tracking as inappropriate, and Rep. Jamie Raskin called for an investigation.

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