Story perspectives

Democrats Accuse GOP of Blocking Epstein Subpoena via Roundtables

4/23/2026

Center

Republicans Block Subpoenas

Democrats say Republicans switched to roundtables to block subpoena votes on the Epstein probe, alleging White House direction.
Chair James Comer’s switch to roundtables coincided with Pam Bondi missing her April 14 deposition, prompting Democrats to seek contempt.
Republicans argue roundtables allow focused policy discussion and avoid the partisan fights of formal hearings.
Five roundtables this year precede a fraud-prevention markup while Nancy Mace (R-SC) backs Bondi subpoena.

Left

Dershowitz Defects

Progressive commentator Zaid Jilani called Alan Dershowitz an ‘atrocity denier’ for prioritizing Israel over U.S. policy.
Alan Dershowitz switched his party registration to Republican after 67 years as a Democrat, saying Israel’s support drove the change.
The committee has held five roundtables this year and will markup fraud-prevention legislation next week.
Democratic leaders, including Ben Rhodes, praised the move, saying the party benefits from losing him.

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Republicans Block Subpoenas

Democrats say Republicans switched to roundtables to block subpoena votes on the Epstein probe, alleging White House direction.
Chair James Comer’s switch to roundtables coincided with Pam Bondi missing her April 14 deposition, prompting Democrats to seek contempt.
Republicans argue roundtables allow focused policy discussion and avoid the partisan fights of formal hearings.
Five roundtables this year precede a fraud-prevention markup while Nancy Mace (R-SC) backs Bondi subpoena.

1 / 2