Pam Bondi is set for another Hill grilling - but not the one some lawmakers hoped for

Oversight Committee members are frustrated by Pam Bondi no longer appearing for an official deposition and want more information about how the DOJ approached the federal government’s Epstein case. They also want details on steps taken to hold accountable anyone who may have been complicit in Epstein’s decadeslong sex trafficking scheme. Rep. Nancy Mace said it was highly disappointing that Bondi would not be deposed and argued she should receive the same treatment as the Clintons, who ultimately appeared under oath for videotaped interviews. Rep. James Walkinshaw said the lack of videotape contributes to public perceptions of a cover-up and suggested a recording would make the situation more real and draw more attention. Epstein’s victims also plan to gather outside the room where Bondi will meet.

"Members also want to know what steps the department has taken to hold accountable those who might have been complicit in Epstein's decadeslong sex trafficking scheme, and they see Bondi as key to getting answers."

"Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who brought up the motion to subpoena Bondi in committee, said earlier this month it was "highly disappointing" that Bondi would no longer be appearing for an official deposition. "She deserves the same treatment as the Clintons and as everybody else," said Mace. She was referring to Bill and Hillary Clinton, who nearly faced contempt charges for failing to appear for their scheduled depositions with the Oversight panel after months of negotiations over the terms and conditions."

"Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), another member of the Oversight panel, said in an interview that "the lack of videotape ... contributes to the feeling that Americans have that there's been a cover-up here." Of Bondi, he said, "I think she recognizes that she doesn't have good answers to the questions that we're going to ask, and a videotape makes it more real and brings more attention to it.""

"Also clamoring for Bondi's testimony to be under oath and made public are many of Epstein's victims, who also intend to be on Capitol Hill Friday morning, with plans to gather outside the room where Bondi will be meeting with"

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