James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
During a House debate on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) criticized Democrats for their handling of the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Comer accused Democratic members of misrepresenting witness testimony, selectively leaking and altering documents, and advancing what he called a "false narrative" aimed at former President Donald Trump.
Comer stated that the committee has conducted an extensive review of the government's investigation into Epstein. He said, "The House Oversight Committee is conducting a thorough review of the federal government’s investigation into Epstein. Our work goes far beyond the legislation before us today." According to Comer, the committee has released over 65,000 pages of documents, issued 13 subpoenas, and interviewed two key witnesses.
He noted that materials from the Department of Justice and access to suspicious activity reports were provided during the Trump administration. However, he criticized Democrats for what he described as efforts to create an anti-Trump narrative instead of focusing on justice for survivors. "They have mischaracterized witness testimony and selectively released documents, complete with targeted redactions, in an effort to smear President Trump," Comer said.
Comer cited former U.S. Attorney General William Barr's statement that no evidence was found implicating Trump in wrongdoing related to Epstein. Despite this, Comer pointed out that Ranking Member Robert Garcia claimed otherwise: “Barr could not clear Trump of wrongdoing.” Comer also referenced testimony from Alex Acosta, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, stating it confirmed there was no contact between Trump and Acosta or connection between Trump and Epstein in this case.
Addressing document releases by committee members, Comer contrasted Republican actions with those of Democrats: "Oversight Committee Republicans have posted 65,000 pages of documents we have received to date. Democrats, by contrast, have released fewer than a dozen." He further alleged that Democrats’ selective release included three emails out of 23,000 pages from the Epstein Estate with redactions altering content.
Comer highlighted instances where media scrutiny led to finger-pointing among committee members regarding document edits: "When CNN called them out for the deceptive redactions, Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Jasmine Crockett tried to blame Republicans for their own edits."
He argued that transparency efforts revealed attempts by outside parties to link Trump with Epstein and detailed claims about Democrat coordination with Epstein-related matters during congressional hearings.
Comer also mentioned subpoenas issued by his committee: "The files also underscore why former President Bill Clinton must appear for his deposition. The Oversight Committee subpoenaed him for testimony in August..."
In closing remarks supporting passage of the legislation but cautioning against using legislative processes as investigative tools, Comer said: "Congress should not conduct investigations through legislation. That sets a dangerous precedent for the powers of the House." He concluded by urging Democratic colleagues to focus on transparency and accountability for survivors rather than pursuing partisan narratives.
