Lawmakers press FBI director on Epstein files; committee tables multiple subpoena motions

House Judiciary Committee members pressed FBI Director Kash Patel on the bureau’s handling of materials seized in the Jeffrey Epstein investigations and on why certain files and witness statements have not been publicly released.

Several Democrats questioned Patel about prior statements he made asserting that the “black book” and Epstein materials should be released, and asked why more names or files had not been produced after his confirmation. Patel repeatedly told the committee that he had directed extensive internal reviews, that his team had produced thousands of pages of material for Congress, and that court orders and protective orders limit what the FBI can lawfully release. “There are multiple federal court orders. I’m not gonna break the law to satisfy your curiosity,” Patel said.

Patel told the committee the FBI had sought to lift seals in several instances but that judges denied requests, and he said the bureau had produced the material that is legally permissible to produce. He also described litigation and grand‑jury protections that restrict disclosure of grand‑jury testimony and sealed court materials; he cited Rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure among the legal constraints.

Why it matters: Several committee members — and outside journalists who have reported on suspicious banking transactions attached to Epstein — said the public deserves to know whether additional investigatory leads exist in FBI files and whether the bureau is fully pursing allegations that others were trafficked by Epstein. Republicans and Democrats argued about whether the bureau had produced what was legally permitted or was withholding materials for other reasons.

Committee action: During the hearing members introduced a series of motions and unanimous‑consent requests seeking to compel documents and testimony from third parties. The committee voted to table multiple subpoena motions during the hearing (see “Votes at a glance” article for details). Motions included requests to subpoena the CEOs of banks that reportedly flagged suspicious activity related to Epstein, to request suspicious‑activity reports from the Treasury Department, and to ask for the transfer log and records from the Bureau of Prisons for a named co‑defendant. Committee records show several motions were tabled on party‑line or near party‑line votes.

Patel reiterated the FBI’s public position that it “has released, where President Trump’s name is in the Epstein files and everybody else,” and that what can be lawfully released has been released. He told the panel his office had “gone to court and asked the judges to lift” certain seals and that courts had refused in some instances.

Ending: The committee did not resolve the dispute over what additional Epstein‑related materials should be released. Members on both sides said they would continue to pursue documents and, if necessary, subpoenas; several motions filed during the hearing were tabled and will be the subject of further procedural steps.