Bondi, Patel to Testify Before Congress on Epstein Case/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel will testify before Congress over the DOJ’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Lawmakers from both parties demand transparency on unsealed files. The hearings could also touch on Trump’s upcoming crime bill.
Epstein Fallout Hearings Quick Looks
- AG Pam Bondi to testify Oct. 9 before House Judiciary
- FBI Director Kash Patel scheduled for Sept. 17 appearance
- Both tied to DOJ handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files
- Hearings part of routine oversight but expected to focus on Epstein
- DOJ began releasing documents under House Oversight subpoena
- Ex-Labor Secretary Alex Acosta to testify Sept. 19 separately
- Republicans frustrated over withheld or delayed documents
- Bondi accused of reneging on disclosure promises
- Epstein controversy disrupted House GOP in July recess
- Hearings also preview Trump’s crime bill push
Deep Look: Bondi and Patel to Testify Before Congress Amid Epstein Fallout
WASHINGTON — August 28, 2025 — Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee in September and October, as Congress intensifies scrutiny of the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
According to individuals familiar with scheduling, Patel is slated to testify Sept. 17, while Bondi will appear Oct. 9. Both were invited as part of the committee’s regular oversight work but are expected to face pointed questions over the DOJ’s approach to Epstein-related files.
Focus on Epstein Documents
The Justice Department has faced mounting pressure from lawmakers — including Republicans — to release Epstein case files in fuller detail.
Over the past month, the DOJ began transmitting documents to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in response to a subpoena. But many lawmakers say the releases have been limited, fueling bipartisan frustration.
The controversy boiled over in late July, when disputes over file access caused turmoil within the GOP-controlled House, briefly halting business before lawmakers left for the August recess.
“We need answers, and we need transparency,” several members insisted, promising to renew pressure when Congress returns to session.
Bondi Under Fire
Attorney General Bondi, in particular, has drawn criticism — even from within her own party. Some Republicans accuse her of withholding Epstein documents that she previously suggested would be disclosed. That tension is expected to shape her Oct. 9 testimony.
Additional Testimony Scheduled
The hearings will not be limited to Bondi and Patel. On Sept. 19, Alex Acosta, Trump’s former labor secretary and the U.S. attorney who approved Epstein’s earlier plea deal in Florida, will provide testimony in a transcribed interview before the Oversight panel.
Together, these appearances are expected to provide lawmakers an opportunity to probe longstanding questions about prosecutorial decisions, sealed files, and federal oversight of Epstein’s past legal arrangements.
Policy Context: Trump’s Crime Bill
Though Epstein will dominate headlines, Bondi and Patel’s testimony will also give them a chance to promote aspects of President Donald Trump’s upcoming crime bill. The White House is encouraging Republicans to push forward legislation that would toughen enforcement measures and expand federal authority.
Outlook
The Epstein fallout hearings promise to be among the most contentious oversight sessions of the fall. Both Republicans and Democrats are signaling they will push for transparency, while the Justice Department seeks to balance public demands with legal and security considerations.
Whether Bondi and Patel provide new disclosures — or remain guarded — could determine how much political pressure the DOJ continues to face into the 2026 election cycle.
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