The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department for files related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. This action, taken on Tuesday, is part of a broader congressional inquiry that lawmakers believe may reveal connections to former President Donald Trump and other high-ranking officials.

The Republican-led committee is also seeking depositions from former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and eight former law enforcement officials. Despite lawmakers being on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein case remains strong.

Trump has dismissed calls for transparency regarding the Epstein files, labeling them a “hoax.” He claims his past relationship with Epstein ended long ago due to a disagreement over hired help and has denied any prior knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. However, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers continue to pursue the matter.

Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the oversight committee, emphasized the public's interest in the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. He stated, "While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal government’s enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell."

Since Epstein's death in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial, various conspiracy theories have emerged regarding his connections and the extent of his activities. The committee's subpoenas for the Clintons and requests for communications between President Joe Biden's administration and the Justice Department reflect ongoing scrutiny.

Bill Clinton has been linked to Epstein, having traveled on his private jet, but he has denied any wrongdoing. Clinton's spokesperson has stated that he never visited Epstein's residences and was unaware of any criminal activities. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, previously mentioned Clinton in interviews but later clarified that some of her statements were inaccurate.

The committee is also demanding sworn testimonies from former attorneys general from the last three presidential administrations, including Merrick Garland and William Barr, as well as former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. The push for subpoenas was initially led by Democrats, who were later joined by some Republicans.

Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia and Summer Lee expressed their commitment to transparency, stating, "Today was an important step forward in our fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and our dedication to seeking justice for the victims. Now, we must continue putting pressure on the Department of Justice until we actually receive every document."

The Justice Department has until August 19 to provide the requested records, although such requests are often subject to negotiation. The committee has scheduled depositions for the former officials throughout August, September, and October, with Hillary Clinton set to appear on October 9 and Bill Clinton on October 14.

While former presidents have testified before Congress voluntarily, none has been compelled to do so. This precedent was highlighted by Trump in 2022 when he faced a subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot investigation, which was ultimately withdrawn.

The committee had previously issued a subpoena for an interview with Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in Epstein's crimes. However, Comer has indicated a willingness to postpone that deposition pending a Supreme Court decision on her appeal.