The House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement voted Wednesday to subpoena the Department of Justice for the full release of all Jeffrey Epstein investigation records, including sealed grand jury materials—a move that cuts across party lines and defies House GOP leadership.
The motion passed by a vote of 8–2, with three Republican lawmakers—Reps. Nancy Mace (SC), Scott Perry (PA), and Brian Jack (GA)—joining all Democrats on the subpanel in supporting the subpoena.
The motion requires Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) to sign off before it becomes official.
“This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!” President Donald Trump posted over the weekend.“I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.”
Judge Blocks DOJ’s Effort to Unseal Records
The committee’s action came just hours after an Obama-appointed federal judge in Florida blocked the DOJ’s latest attempt to unseal grand jury transcripts from its 2005 and 2007 Epstein investigations.
Judge Robin Rosenberg ruled that the Justice Department did not provide sufficient legal justification to override strict grand jury secrecy rules—even though Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the “intense public interest” in the materials.
The setback has only further fueled demands in Congress—and among Trump supporters—for full transparency.
Republicans Break with Leadership
The vote marks a rare split within the GOP, with some members openly questioning why House Republican leadership would resist transparency on an issue with massive public interest and bipartisan concern.
Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), the top Democrat on the subcommittee, introduced the motion.
“The American people deserve to know the full truth about Epstein’s network and who helped cover it up,” said one House Republican source familiar with the vote.
Maxwell Subpoena Confirmed for August 11
Alongside the DOJ records subpoena, the Oversight Committee also voted to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate and convicted sex trafficker.
Chairman James Comer announced that Maxwell’s deposition will take place at Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee on August 11, 2025.
Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year federal sentence, has reportedly entered initial talks with DOJ officials, according to her legal team, and may cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence.
