Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before a congressional panel this week to address the Department of Justice’s handling of records related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door session, led by the House Oversight Committee, focused on whether the department fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law requiring the public release of unclassified records. Bondi defended her tenure, asserting that the department demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency by processing millions of pages of material, including extensive video and photographic evidence.

Despite her defense, the committee remains divided on the thoroughness of the document release. Republican Chairman James Comer emphasized that the investigation aims to determine if additional records are being withheld, stating that the committee expects full disclosure to ensure justice for Epstein’s victims. Conversely, Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of public access to the testimony, with Representative Robert Garcia criticizing the decision to conduct the interview behind closed doors rather than providing a video record for the American public.

The inquiry follows months of bipartisan pressure regarding the department’s management of the case, including controversies over the redaction of victim identities and conflicting statements regarding the existence of a specific ‘client list.’ Bondi, who was replaced as Attorney General in April, has faced significant scrutiny throughout her term, ranging from accusations of political bias to questions regarding her oversight of the Epstein investigation.

Beyond the immediate probe, Bondi’s appearance marks a significant moment in the ongoing congressional investigation into the Epstein case, which has already involved testimony from several high-profile figures. As she transitions to a new role on the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Bondi continues to navigate the fallout from her time as the nation’s top law enforcement official, even as she manages a recent diagnosis of thyroid cancer.