Garcia Calls for Full Release of Epstein Files
Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif), who serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, expressed concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of subpoenas related to the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He suggested that if the Epstein Files were released in a piecemeal approach, it would only perpetuate a potential cover-up by the White House.
Garcia emphasized, “The American people deserve nothing less than the complete and unedited Epstein file,” in a statement made on a recent Tuesday. This comment came as the Justice Department faced a deadline to submit documents pertaining to the Epstein case, following a subpoena issued by the surveillance panel earlier in the month.
The committee’s chair, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), noted that the DOJ would begin submitting material but indicated that it would take some time to ensure the proper identification of victims and sensitive content. He mentioned that the DOJ expected to start delivering records according to the subpoena by Friday.
In a bipartisan effort, the committee called for full compliance with the subpoena. Garcia recalled previous remarks by the Attorney General, who claimed to have the entire Epstein file, expressing that the partial release was “completely inadequate and misleading.”
Comer had issued a subpoena to the DOJ following a motion from the Democratic side of the subcommittee in July, which garnered support from three Republicans. This effort aims to obtain a “full and unedited Epstein File.”
During the same subcommittee meeting, Republicans successfully moved to summon a group of former federal officials linked to the Epstein investigation, including notable figures like former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The first testimony in this ongoing investigation was provided by former Attorney General Bill Barr, who served under President Trump.
After his testimony, Comer informed the press that Barr claimed to be unaware of any information relating to Trump. In response to this, Garcia mentioned that Barr urged Comer to release the full, unedited transcript of his deposition.
Garcia reiterated their commitment, stating, “We will continue to push until the American people receive all the documents and the complete truth.” He concluded by emphasizing that the administration is legally obligated to comply with the subpoena.
