Mace says Bondi should testify on Epstein files or face contempt

Rep. Nancy Mace has stepped up pressure on former Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear before the House Oversight Committee, saying Bondi should either testify about the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files or be held in contempt. Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, voiced her stance Wednesday as part of a broader bipartisan push for transparency in how the Justice Department managed evidence and communications tied to Epstein's case.

The committee issued a subpoena for Bondi last month after reports surfaced suggesting possible delays or omissions in the release of documents connected to Epstein's network. Bondi, who served as attorney general during a critical period of the investigation, has not publicly commented on the subpoena. However, according to Republican leadership on the panel, the Justice Department has informed Congress that Bondi will not appear for the scheduled deposition.

This resistance has sparked frustration across the aisle. Lawmakers from both parties argue that Bondi's testimony could shed light on whether political considerations influenced the pace or scope of the probe. Epstein, a convicted sex offender with high-profile connections, died in jail in 2019, but questions about his associates and enablers have persisted.

The Oversight Committee is also moving forward with other key figures linked to Epstein. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to give a deposition later this month about his past interactions with Epstein. That testimony is expected to draw significant attention, given Gates' global profile and prior efforts to distance himself from Epstein after their association became public.

While the focus has often been on Epstein's wealthy contacts, some lawmakers stress that accountability within the justice system is just as vital. They say understanding what officials knew, when they knew it, and what actions they took is central to restoring public trust.

The committee has not yet formally voted on contempt, but sources suggest discussions are underway. If Bondi does not comply, the next step could involve a referral to the full House for a vote, a move that would mark a rare escalation in congressional oversight battles.

For now, the standoff continues. With public interest in the Epstein case still strong, many are watching closely to see whether Congress can break through the resistance and get answers that have eluded victims and investigators for years.