Full Breakdown
House Oversight Committee Seeks Testimony on DOJ’s Epstein Investigation
6/13/2026, 1:18:49 PM
The Committee’s New Testimony Requests
Republican Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has formally asked former Epstein attorney Alan Dershowitz to appear for an in-person, videotaped interview on July 9 in Washington, D.C. Comer also announced plans to summon Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for a July deposition. Both interviews will be conducted under oath, recorded, and the transcripts released to the public as soon as practicable.
Background: Epstein Case and DOJ Document Release
Jeffrey Epstein’s 2008 plea agreement—negotiated by Dershowitz—reduced federal sex-trafficking charges to two Florida prostitution counts, resulting in a 13-month prison term. After Epstein’s 2019 death, the Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of investigative files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi oversaw that release and later faced criticism for the rollout, leading to her removal in April.
Key Figures and Groups
- Rep. James Comer (R-KY) – Committee chair driving the new testimony requests.
- Alan Dershowitz – Harvard-trained lawyer who represented Epstein in 2008.
- Todd Blanche – Acting Attorney General, nominee for the permanent post.
- Lesley Groff – Long-time Epstein assistant who testified before the panel.
- Virginia Giuffre – Prominent accuser who initially alleged trafficking to Dershowitz but later recanted in a settlement.
- Pam Bondi – Former Florida AG who testified on DOJ document production.
- Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) – Top Democrat on the committee, calling for a formal deposition of Blanche.
- Bill Gates – Microsoft co-founder testifying on his ties to Epstein.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- 2008 – Epstein’s controversial plea deal, negotiated by Dershowitz.
- April 2024 – Bondi removed from her post after criticism of the document release.
- Last month – Bondi testifies, asserting full compliance with the transparency law.
- Tuesday (early July 2024) – Lesley Groff appears before lawmakers.
- Wednesday (early July 2024) – Bill Gates testifies on his connections to Epstein.
- July 9, 2024 – Scheduled date for Dershowitz’s interview.
- July 2024 (later) – Planned deposition of Acting AG Todd Blanche.
Data & Statistics
- 3 million+ pages of DOJ files released under the transparency act.
- 13 months served by Epstein after the 2008 plea.
- 20-year sentence imposed on Ghislaine Maxwell for recruiting and abusing minors.
- More than a dozen individuals have been interviewed by the committee to date.
Official Statements & Responses
Comer emphasized that the committee’s request stems from “public reporting” and survivor testimony, seeking any undisclosed documents. Garcia stressed that a simple appearance is insufficient, insisting on a formal, videotaped deposition of Blanche. Bondi maintained, on the record, that “to the best of my knowledge, the department produced everything required.” Dershowitz expressed willingness to testify “under oath, videotaped, and open to the public,” asserting he has “nothing to hide.”
Criticism & Opposition
Bondi’s handling of the massive document release drew sharp rebuke, culminating in her ouster. Survivors, represented by Comer, argue that key evidence may still be withheld, prompting the new testimony requests. Virginia Giuffre’s initial claim that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz was later withdrawn as part of a settlement, highlighting contested narratives within the investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Document Production: Bondi asserts full compliance, while Garcia cites her testimony as shifting responsibility to Blanche, suggesting possible gaps.
- Giuffre Allegation: The accuser’s recantation creates uncertainty about the veracity of earlier claims linking Dershowitz to trafficking.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Due to public reporting, documents released by the Department of Justice, documents obtained by the Committee, and your former role as Mr. Epstein’s attorney, the Committee believes you have information that will assist in its investigation,” — Rep. James Comer, R-KY, Committee Chair
- “Based on the testimony from Ms. Groff, as well as a meeting that I had afterwards with several of the Epstein survivors, I am going to ask Alan Dershowitz to come in,” — Rep. James Comer
- “I’m very proud of my role in representing Epstein,” — Alan Dershowitz, Attorney
- “I have nothing to hide. I hope they have videos of Epstein’s rooms … bedrooms. I’m willing to testify truthfully about Les Wexner. All of it,” — Alan Dershowitz
- “We're working to bring Todd Blanche in,” — Rep. James Comer
- “It's not enough to just get Blanche in,” — Rep. Robert Garcia, D-CA, top Democrat
What’s Next
The committee will release the Dershowitz interview transcript shortly after July 9. Blanche’s deposition is slated for later in July, with the committee promising a public, videotaped release. Additional witnesses, including other former Epstein associates, may be summoned as the panel continues to probe the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
