House Oversight Committee to Hold Hearings for Jeffrey Epstein Survivors

Representative James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, announced on Friday that survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes will be given the opportunity to testify during the committee's ongoing investigation. The move aims to provide a public record of the crimes committed by Epstein and his procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision follows a public appeal from First Lady Melania Trump, who urged Congress to prioritize a hearing specifically centered on the survivors. Comer expressed agreement with the First Lady's position, confirming that the committee's schedule will accommodate victim testimony once preliminary investigative steps are complete. The hearings for survivors are slated to occur after the committee concludes depositions of several high-profile figures connected to Epstein. Scheduled interviews include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and billionaire Ted Waitt, among others. The committee's efforts have faced procedural hurdles, including the cancellation of a scheduled deposition with former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Department of Justice noted that Bondi had been subpoenaed in her capacity as attorney general, leading to threats of contempt charges from Democratic committee members if she fails to appear. Comer noted that while his legal team has been in communication with victims' attorneys for months, participation remains voluntary. He acknowledged that while some survivors are willing to testify, many are not, a preference the committee intends to respect as they move forward with the probe.