Oversight Committee Escalates Investigation into Epstein Case, Targeting High-Profile Figures

July 24, 2025 – Washington, D.C. - In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case, a House Oversight Committee subcommittee voted Wednesday to direct Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to issue subpoenas for former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several other prominent figures linked to Epstein’s former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The motion, introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), passed by voice vote, signaling bipartisan support amid mounting public and political pressure for transparency in the Epstein saga.

The subpoenas target a high-profile list of individuals, including former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller, as well as former Attorneys General Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales. The move comes in response to a Democratic motion, led by Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), to subpoena the Justice Department for unredacted Epstein files, with victim names redacted for privacy. The vote, which saw three Republicans—Reps. Nancy Mace (S.C.), Scott Perry (Pa.), and Brian Jack (Ga.)—join Democrats in an 8-2 tally, underscores deep divisions within the Republican party and defiance of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to delay action on the issue.

The Epstein case, which has gripped public attention for years, has been reignited by recent demands to unseal grand jury testimony and other documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender, who died in federal custody in 2019. The House Oversight Committee’s actions follow Chairman Comer’s separate subpoena of Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes, for a deposition scheduled for August 11 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee. This deposition is expected to draw significant attention, with Comer noting “immense public interest and scrutiny” surrounding the case.

Rep. Perry’s motion aims to expand the committee’s investigation into Maxwell’s network, citing possible connections to influential figures across multiple administrations. “The American people want transparency,” Rep. Lee stated, emphasizing the need for accountability regardless of status. However, the inclusion of such a broad list of Democratic and Republican officials has sparked debate, with some questioning the relevance of certain names to the Epstein probe.

The vote has exposed tensions within the Republican party, as President Donald Trump and House Speaker Johnson have sought to downplay the Epstein issue. Trump, who once called for the release of Epstein files during his campaign, recently dismissed continued focus on the case as a “hoax” and urged supporters to move on. Meanwhile, Johnson’s decision to send the House into recess early, avoiding further Epstein-related votes, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans pushing for transparency.

Democrats, seizing the opportunity to highlight GOP divisions, have framed the issue as a matter of accountability for the powerful. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of “protecting the lifestyles of the rich and shameless,” while Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) argued that the Epstein case raises broader questions about whether the government prioritizes ordinary Americans over elites.

On the Republican side, figures like Rep. Tim Burchett (Tenn.) have championed the push for Maxwell’s testimony, calling her the “last one standing” who could reveal details about Epstein’s operations and enablers. The Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is also moving to unseal grand jury files, though a Florida judge recently denied a request to release certain records, citing procedural issues. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to meet with Maxwell soon, adding another layer to the unfolding investigation.

As the subpoenas await Comer’s signature, the Epstein probe continues to roil Congress, with both parties navigating the political fallout. The coming weeks promise heightened scrutiny as lawmakers and the public await potential revelations from Maxwell’s deposition and the release of any unredacted files. For now, the decision to subpoena high-profile figures like the Clintons signals that the House Oversight Committee is prepared to pursue answers aggressively, regardless of the political cost.