In brief
Rep. Jamie Raskin has formally requested the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate allegations of governmental surveillance on Congress members involved in oversight of Epstein's files. The concerns stem from photographs indicating search histories were monitored, prompting calls for accountability from lawmakers.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Concerns are mounting after photographs emerged suggesting that the Justice Department has been monitoring the search histories of lawmakers examining files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has called for an investigation by the Justice Department’s inspector general. He characterized this action as “spying” on congressional members who have engaged in oversight regarding the Epstein files on departmental computers.
Images from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s hearing revealed her holding a binder that indicated the name “Jayapal Pramila Search History,” outlining documents under review. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned the actions, deeming them totally unacceptable and emphasized that lawmakers would insist on a comprehensive report on how the Department is employing this search history.
“Bondi has enough time to spy on Members of Congress, but can’t find it in herself to apologize to the survivors of Epstein’s horrific abuse,” Jayapal remarked on social media platform X.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has visited a Justice Department facility recently to access less-redacted records from the Epstein files. Some lawmakers have voiced their concerns about excessive redactations regarding information related to Epstein's associates. The previous Trump administration announced significant releases, involving over 3 million pages, along with vast video and image collections pertinent to Epstein investigations.
Raskin issued a statement denouncing the Justice Department for withholding records and employing surveillance tactics against Congress, thereby infringing on congressional oversight processes. He concluded, demanding that the DOJ cease any tracking of Members’ searches immediately and ensure an open review of the Epstein documentations, with necessary redactions concerning survivors' information.
Spokespeople from the Justice Department have not commented on this matter. The inspector general’s office also declined to release any statements regarding the investigation request.
