Lawmakers clash with Justice Department over access to Epstein files

A top Justice Department official, Pam Bondi, faced intense questioning from lawmakers about how the department is handling the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers from both parties are angry about reports that the DOJ tracked who was searching a database of Epstein files, with the House Speaker saying he disapproves of that logging.

Bondi defended the department's actions during the hearing, pushing back against accusations from Democrats that she is trying to obstruct the investigation. The dispute centers on transparency and how much information about the Epstein case should be made public.