US Senate: ‘TRUMP WITH HALF-NAKED…’: Pam Bondi Caught In Explosive New Revelation

[0:00] it is to protect the identity of victims of sexual assault, [0:05] correct? [0:10] I have addressed this multiple times. [0:12] I think others were cutting me off when I was trying to. [0:14] Well, I just simply asked, are you aware of the fact [0:19] that it's vitally important to protect [0:21] the identity of sexual assault victims [0:24] as you prosecute the people they accuse of assaulting them? [0:29] Isn't that correct? [0:32] Excuse me. [0:33] As we have said multiple times. [0:35] The protection of the identity of the victims [0:38] are protected, and you are protected under. [0:41] Do you want me to answer, or do you want to interrupt? [0:42] Well, because you're not answering the question. [0:45] You do a Jekyll and Hyde kind of routine around here. [0:49] And I just want you to answer my questions. [0:51] What does Jekyll and Hyde mean? [0:53] Can you explain that? [0:53] Well, it means you're nice to the Republicans, [0:55] and you turn like Hyde on Democrats. [1:00] But let me ask you this, ma'am. [1:02] We have the Epstein victims. [1:05] Victim survivors here today, Representative Jayapal [1:11] asked a simple question. [1:13] If you would be so kind and honorable as to turn around [1:17] and face them and apologize to them for outing them, [1:22] I mean, how many lives have been derailed [1:28] because your department was either sloppy and incompetent [1:33] or willfully trying to intimidate and punish these [1:38] ladies for coming forward? [1:39] The time of the gentleman has expired. [1:43] The gentleman yields back. [1:44] The chair now recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin [1:47] for five minutes. [1:49] Attorney General Bondi, my colleagues [1:52] on the other side of the aisle have spent the past several [1:54] months attacking the administration for doing [1:57] exactly what the American people wanted when they overwhelmingly [2:00] elected President Trump, securing our border [2:04] and enforcing our immigration laws. [2:07] I find it a bit ironic, because this is the same party who, [2:11] just a few years ago, was a Republican. [2:12] We're openly supporting strong immigration enforcement [2:16] after witnessing criminal, illegal aliens wreak havoc [2:20] on the American communities. [2:23] I have a short video I just wanted to play. [2:26] We're also a nation of loss. [2:29] Undocumented workers broke our immigration laws. [2:32] And I believe that they must be held accountable. [2:35] They've committed a crime, deport them. [2:37] No questions asked, they're gone. [2:39] No great nation can be in a position where they can't be [2:44] controlled or borders. [2:46] While we need to address the issue of immigration [2:48] and the challenge we have of undocumented people [2:51] in our country, we certainly don't want any more coming in. [2:54] Every place in this country are rightly disturbed [2:57] by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. [3:02] The jobs they hold might otherwise [3:04] be held by citizens or legal immigrants. [3:06] The public service they use impose burdens [3:08] on our taxpayers. [3:10] That's why our administration has moved aggressively [3:13] to secure our borders more by hiring [3:15] a record number of new border guards, [3:17] by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever [3:19] before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, [3:23] by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. [3:26] Illegal immigration is wrong, plain and simple. [3:30] When we use phrases like undocumented workers, [3:34] we convey a message to the American people [3:36] that their government is not serious about combating [3:39] illegal immigration, which the American people overwhelmingly [3:43] oppose. [3:44] If you don't think it's illegal, you're [3:46] not going to say it. [3:46] I think it is illegal and wrong. [3:49] Open the borders, my God. [3:51] You know, there's a lot of poverty in this world, [3:54] and you're going to have people from all over the world. [3:55] And I don't think that's something [3:57] that we can do at this point. [3:58] Can't do it. [3:59] Yes or no, would you allow the cities [4:01] to ignore the federal law? [4:02] No. [4:03] We simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States [4:07] undetected, undocumented, unchecked, [4:11] and circumventing the line of people [4:13] who are waiting patiently, diligently, and lawfully, [4:17] to become immigrants in this country. [4:21] So Attorney General Bondi, what's [4:25] the Trump administration, DOJ, doing [4:29] to end the open border policies of the prior administration [4:33] that saw dangerous drugs and criminal aliens [4:37] flood our communities? [4:41] Congressman, President Trump has worked tirelessly, [4:44] as you know, to close our border, [4:47] which is what the Democrats had asked for in that video. [4:50] President Trump closed our borders. [4:53] He closed our borders on day one. [4:56] He is protecting Americans. [4:58] He is protecting our kids from the influx of drugs [5:02] that were flowing into this country from Mexico, [5:06] the fentanyl precursors that were coming from China. [5:09] These precursors were taken from China into Mexico. [5:13] And in Mexico, they were mixed and freely taken right [5:18] into our country, along with gang members, MS-13, [5:22] TDA, [5:23] freely coming into our cities around our country, [5:29] thanks to Joe Biden's open border policies. [5:32] That has stopped under Donald Trump. [5:34] It will no longer happen under this administration. [5:38] And he is doing everything to keep Americans safe. [5:42] And let me continue. [5:43] When he was elected overwhelmingly [5:46] by the American people, the majority of the American [5:49] people wanted Donald Trump. [5:51] One of the main reasons was border [5:53] security and keeping Americans safe. [5:55] And that's exactly what he did. [5:57] And that's why today, the other side sits here. [6:01] They yell. [6:01] They cut me off. [6:03] They want to yell. [6:04] They want to ask a question and don't want answers, [6:06] because they want to distract from all the great things [6:10] that this president and this administration, [6:12] working hand in hand. [6:14] And that includes Secretary Noem, [6:16] who has closed our borders, and Tom Homan, [6:18] who has closed our borders to keep Americans safe. [6:22] And they're trying to distract from that. [6:24] And they're not going to do it, because the American people are [6:26] smarter than that. [6:27] And they see through their theatrics. [6:30] Thank you. [6:31] Just quickly, yesterday, Senator Grassley [6:33] reached out to my office to tell me [6:36] that I was one of the 20 members that was now disclosed, [6:40] were under surveillance from Jack Smith. [6:43] This brings up the question of nondisclosed orders [6:46] and whether or not they should apply to members of Congress. [6:49] But with my phone records being surveilled, as well as, [6:52] it looks like, 19 other members of Congress, [6:55] I'm just wondering how DOJ views that. [6:59] Time, Mr. Gentleman, has expired, [7:01] but the gentlelady can respond. [7:02] As I stated earlier, Congressman, [7:04] anyone's records who were illegally obtained, [7:08] Democrat or Republican, we will fight vigorously to stop that. [7:12] Anything with Arctic Frost, I can't discuss right now. [7:15] And isn't it true, Madam Attorney General, [7:16] that DOJ has changed their policy? [7:18] You can't do that now. [7:20] Absolutely. [7:20] DOJ is not going to go do that and ask the judge for an NDO. [7:23] Absolutely. [7:24] Yeah, good. [7:24] That, in and of itself, tells you how wrong it was. [7:27] The chair now recognizes the gentleman from California. [7:29] Great. [7:30] Thank you. [7:31] Madam Attorney General, you acknowledged earlier [7:33] to Mr. Johnson that President Trump was mentioned [7:37] in the release countless times, you said, in the Epstein files. [7:41] I just want to play a video, though, for you [7:43] that I think speaks to the frustration [7:45] that many of these victims have. [7:48] Of times, Trump's name appears in the files. [7:51] So it could at least be 1,000 times. [7:53] Is that right? [7:55] The number is a total misleading [7:57] factor. [7:58] We have not released anyone's name. [8:00] We have not released anyone's name in the Epstein files that [8:03] has not been credible. [8:04] Director, could it at least be 1,000 times? [8:06] We have released every piece of legally permissible information. [8:09] OK. [8:09] You can characterize the numbers however you want it. [8:11] You're claiming my time, Director. [8:13] It sounds like if you don't know the number, [8:15] it could at least be 1,000 times. [8:17] It's not. [8:17] It's not. [8:18] Is it at least 500 times? [8:19] No. [8:20] Is it at least 100 times? [8:21] No. [8:21] Then what's the number? [8:22] I don't know the number. [8:27] I understand why the victims are frustrated. [8:28] And the Attorney General acknowledged what Mr. Johnson said. [8:30] Mr. Patel would not acknowledge that. [8:32] It was way more than 1,000 times. [8:34] But I want to move Madam Attorney General [8:36] to weaponization of government. [8:39] And yesterday, it was reported that six members of Congress [8:43] had indictments sought against him, [8:45] and they were not returned by a grand jury. [8:47] My colleagues have spoken about their frustration [8:49] of being in subpoenas and having cell phone records combed [8:54] through. [8:55] Well, in 2017 and 2018, Adam Schiff and I [8:58] had our cell phone records and email records combed through, [9:01] not by you. [9:02] But a different Department of Justice under the president. [9:05] It was in retaliation for our role in the Russia interference [9:08] campaign. [9:08] An inspector general report would find this improper, [9:12] and that the predicate for it was absurd. [9:14] In 2020, after sitting on two committees that [9:17] were a part of the president's first impeachment, [9:19] an FBI agent leaked my cooperation [9:21] in a national security case where [9:23] my campaign was targeted. [9:24] The president's FBI senior leadership [9:27] authorized two statements to the press that said, [9:30] I was never suspected of wrongdoing, [9:32] and only helped the investigation. [9:34] But that didn't stop the death threats or my GOP colleagues [9:36] from referring me to an ethics investigation, where [9:39] Kevin McCarthy's chairman on the ethics committee [9:41] would find the same thing as the FBI. [9:44] Our current FBI director would then [9:45] write a book called Government Gangsters, [9:47] and identify a long list of enemies. [9:49] About a quarter of them have been either investigated [9:52] or indicted. [9:52] He listed me at the very top, along with Adam Schiff. [9:55] And during that same testimony, refused to recuse himself [10:00] when asked if he would recuse. [10:02] If any case came across his desk involving me or people [10:06] on that list. [10:07] Since that testimony, his department [10:09] has put me under investigation with Senator Schiff [10:12] for the nonsense mortgage fraud cases that we've seen. [10:16] I get it. [10:16] This is what the president does. [10:18] I've priced it in. [10:19] We have a bingo card at home that my kids have [10:21] made of what will come next. [10:24] I expected that the president would come after his enemies. [10:26] But what I want to talk to you next is serious. [10:28] And I did not expect this would happen. [10:30] And I'd like your help on it. [10:32] The president has inspired. [10:33] I'm proud. [10:34] And whoever restores knees in support of this [10:35] campaign is already serving hours on the line. [10:37] I survive on this song, and it's energetic [10:40] to the point I've never sung before. [10:42] But I try and play it on my own, because [10:44] I appreciate the support. [10:45] But why on the go jokingly and cause armor [10:48] fry open your heart, or areCould 뼇 [10:53] trle [10:54] go on given your own story, [10:55] is not my job to say I would rather我 [10:56] I hope they won't do anything to me [10:57] because I want to make a good ichthe [10:59] more like me. [11:00] Please mention that GoAnimation was your [11:01] mother too long ago, especially killed my brother. [11:03] You didn't make it majore in Indiana. [11:04] I would, but never felt it. [11:05] I want you know that I loved you. [11:06] the department of justice from the southern district of texas declined to prosecute may [11:11] through december of 2025 we received messages at my office that said i hope somebody shoots you [11:16] and your children and your wife in the head pew pew pew pew i would stay indoors as much [11:22] as possible and my children unfortunately have to do that the department of justice [11:27] has not charged this individual incited that he's a prolific caller and has health conditions although [11:32] what we have found in our own investigation and his voicemails is that he has said he will employ [11:37] others to do this the president can come after me it's fine i'm in the arena so are these folks [11:43] but we never expected that the department of justice would not seek to prosecute and investigate [11:50] those who are making threats against us and that would include those on that side of the [11:54] aisle and i help i'm just asking for your help to protect life because life is at risk [11:59] with the environment we're in right now congressman i completely [12:03] agree with you and i agree with you and i agree with you and i agree with you and i agree with you [12:03] agree with you uh i i know about several of those personally involving you um i believe one has been [12:12] charged publicly and there's something i would be happy to talk to you about off camera but i can [12:19] assure you that they are very serious they are being looked into and i can give you more details [12:25] on those none of you should be threatened ever none of your children should be threatened none [12:32] of your families should be threatened none of your families should be threatened none of your families [12:33] should be threatened and i will work with you can come into my office any day i will work with all of [12:39] you on both sides of the aisle if you are ever threatened and i would glad i'll gladly talk to [12:44] you after this hearing about your cases but i can tell you some of them are very active appreciate [12:49] that and you're back gentleman he was back and we're sorry for what the gentleman and his family [12:52] have had had to go through we appreciate what the attorney general said um and i think some of the [12:58] things that the gentleman from california related we can all relate to and it's it's unfortunate [13:02] it's wrong as the attorney general said um i think some of the things that the gentleman from [13:03] california related we can all relate to and it's it's unfortunate [13:03] and we we appreciate the help we get from uh the justice department uh with that we will now [13:08] recognize the gentleman from new jersey mr van drew thank you chairman i don't know where to [13:15] begin thank you for being here general you might see me when i'm right in front of you um i just [13:21] i have to mention this first you know i use this word before my friends on the other side of the [13:27] aisle got mad at me but hypocrisy epstein epstein epstein but for years on the other side of the aisle [13:36] we heard nothing crickets not a word nothing was said when they were in control [13:42] nothing was mentioned basically the last summer and the ranking member points out that he did [13:47] do something last year yeah he did a letter complaining about the plea deal for maxwell [13:53] but it wasn't a big deal then we get a new administration [13:57] and all of a sudden it's a big deal and they're they feign concern they're upset [14:01] they're investigating they had all these years and all this time and in fact stacy plaskett and we [14:08] know that name when they had a congressional hearing democratic member were taking texts [14:14] from epstein on questions to ask to go after trump so epstein was using her democratic colleague as a [14:22] tool to go after president trump just everybody keep that in mind and then we talk about ice and [14:27] how horrible it is and there are concerns everybody wants everything to go right nobody ever [14:32] wants to see somebody die and they complain about it but at the same time hypocrisy they encourage [14:39] constituents to go after the ice agents to challenge them to hurt them to attack them [14:47] and that doesn't make sense that's hypocrisy and then we hear about the concern of you know going [14:52] after democrats that the legal system that judiciary and department of justice is going after [14:58] democrats but they literally rework the legal system [15:04] under alvin bernard [15:04] and leticia james to go after republicans and those sympathetic to republicans so i mean be [15:11] careful when you accuse others that you're not guilty yourself be careful of what you say because [15:18] you got a history and it's easy to go over it you know i just want to talk about where we were and [15:23] where we are now we had over 10 million illegal crossings in the past between 2020 and 24. over [15:30] 10 million there's probably a much bigger number i'm being conservative we were told the people [15:34] weren't dangerous but they had to go after republicans and those sympathetic to republicans [15:35] were dangerous but they were general they were dangerous many of them more than 300 individuals [15:40] on the terror watch list during that time violent criminals came across as we saw consequences [15:46] where mothers and fathers children were raped murdered hurt abused beaten trafficked [15:54] all from the drugs my god the drugs they brought into our babies in this country [15:59] 73 000 illegals with criminal histories 20 000 with convictions of assault robbery and [16:06] sex offenses 13 000 convicted murderers in our beautiful defenders it was madness it was insanity [16:13] it's bizarre it's it was madness it was insanity it's bizarre it's perverse what in god's name were [16:20] you doing so we finally are cleaning this up now we're finally trying to make it right and safe for [16:27] our people so my questions are this general do you believe in removing criminal illegal aliens from [16:34] our communities will save american lives [16:40] yes and given the the cases that you just discussed that's proof of it every single [16:45] day president trump is committed to that this entire cabinet is committed to that and making [16:51] and keeping americans safe thank you would you agree that and thank you for doing that would [16:56] you agree that allowing individuals with known criminal histories to enter and remain in the [17:00] united states we knew this back then they knew it would you agree that creates serious risks [17:06] to our public safety i know the answers but let's just say them clearly yeah [17:10] would you agree that when dangerous individuals are released instead of detained and they were [17:15] released over and over and over again and these are the real issues this is really what america [17:21] cares about they want their children and their families to be safe do you think if you release [17:27] them instead of detaining them that crimes will happen because of that absolutely would you agree [17:33] that i'm sorry and it did and it did thank you would you agree that cooperation between and this [17:38] is a biggie and i'm going to ask you to elaborate on this [17:41] this is a big deal this is why some of the problems we're seeing in some of the places [17:45] like minnesota are happening that cooperation between federal and local enforcement which [17:51] we always used to have helps remove violent offenders from our communities that we should [17:56] be a team yes and can you elaborate on that a little bit in other words when the local [18:04] enforcement is forced by the politicians not their fault not to do their job and not cooperate why [18:10] does it create the situations that we see [18:13] where we have a need for crowd control. [18:16] By the way, they're not peaceful. [18:18] Those are not peaceful protesters. [18:19] We know what a peaceful protester is. [18:21] When you spit on law enforcement, when you push them, when you hit them, [18:24] when you beat their car, if you can answer the question, thank you. [18:28] And then I'll yield back. [18:29] You may answer the question. [18:30] Thank you. [18:31] Yes, I spent four days myself in Minnesota, in Minneapolis. [18:35] What I will say about some of these sanctuary cities, [18:38] some of these Democratic cities, [18:40] law enforcement, they quietly want to work with us. [18:43] I've spoken to law enforcement in multiple cities who want to work with us. [18:50] And, yes, we're going to do everything we can to keep our citizens safe, [18:56] whether or not these Democrat-controlled sanctuary cities do or don't. [19:01] And, damn it, that's what really matters. [19:03] I yield back. [19:04] Mr. Chair, I have a UC. [19:07] Ms. Crockett from Texas is recognized for UC. [19:10] Thank you so much. [19:11] Donald Trump. [19:11] Donald Trump's approval rating implodes on his strongest issue. [19:14] This is from Newsweek Today. [19:16] It says 40% of people approve of Trump's handling of immigration and border security, [19:21] while 60% disapprove. [19:23] Without objection, admitted. [19:24] Now I recognize the gentleman from California, Mr. Liu. [19:36] Thank you, Attorney General Bonney, for being here today. [19:39] I'm going to show you two photos. [19:40] Thank you. [19:41] I'm going to show you two photos of former Prince Andrew. [19:44] Prince Andrew attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein. [19:50] Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect the victims of Epstein's sex trafficking operation. [20:01] You redacted the photos of this victim's face because you were following the congressional law. [20:07] Is that correct? [20:13] I'm sorry, that we redacted the victim's face? [20:15] Because you were following the congressional law, correct? [20:18] Yes. [20:18] Okay. [20:18] You have now established that we, please put the photos back up, that we are looking at a sex trafficking victim. [20:28] Under the federal... [20:30] Victim's Trafficking Protection Act. [20:32] Not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronizes Epstein's sex operation is also guilty of a crime. [20:41] That's why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein's clients like former Prince Andrew. [20:49] Last July, you closed the case on Epstein's abusers. [20:55] The July 2025 memo from your Department of Justice stated, quote, [21:00] We did not uncover Epstein. [21:01] We did not find any evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties. [21:07] These two photos, please put the photos back up. [21:10] These two photos staring you in the face are evidence of a crime and more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew. [21:22] So I ask you, Attorney General Pam Bondi, why did you shut down this investigation last July and why have you not prosecuted former Prince Andrew? [21:31] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:33] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:33] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:34] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:34] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:34] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:34] I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland. [21:34] When he was Attorney General and set before you. [21:37] I agree with you. [21:38] You twice. [21:38] I'm reclaiming my time. [21:39] I agree with you. [21:40] I agree with you. [21:41] You're not hearing me? [21:42] During the Biden administration, I called for people to look into Epstein files. [21:47] Merrick Garland dropped the ball, as did Attorney General Bill Barr, as did Alex Acosta, a whole string of failures. [21:55] But you are in charge. [21:56] You have the power to change things, to hold these men accountable, and you're doing the opposite. [22:00] You're protecting them. [22:02] So I want to move on to another man. [22:03] Okay. [22:04] Can I answer that though? [22:05] Donald Trump. [22:06] I want to move on to another question. [22:07] Can I answer your question about protecting Prince Andrew? [22:08] You answered the question. [22:09] You're saying no. [22:10] I love this. [22:11] I want to discuss another man, Donald Trump, who is all over the Epstein files. [22:15] Like former Prince Andrew, Donald Trump attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein. [22:38] I want to know, were there any underage girls at that party or at any party that Trump attended [22:45] with Jeffrey Epstein? [22:53] This is so ridiculous, and that they are trying to deflect from all the great things [23:01] Donald Trump has done. [23:02] There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime. [23:06] Everyone knows that. [23:07] This has been the most transparent presidency. [23:09] He's the one that asked that those files be released. [23:12] I'm going to claim my time. [23:13] I got your answer. [23:14] You said there's no evidence. [23:15] Mr. Chairman, please stop the clock. [23:16] You said there's no evidence. [23:17] I'd like to sign the legislation. [23:18] Please stop the clock. [23:19] This is ridiculous. [23:20] Time belongs to the gentleman from California. [23:22] Okay. [23:24] Okay. [23:25] Okay. [23:26] Okay. [23:27] I just want to take another document from a witness who called the FBI's National [23:30] Threat Operations Center because I believe you just lied under oath. [23:34] There is ample evidence in the Epstein files. [23:36] Don't you ever accuse me of a crime. [23:39] I believe you just lied under oath. [23:41] And this is all in videotape. [23:42] You said there's no evidence of crime. [23:44] I'm showing you. [23:45] Here is a witness statement who called into the FBI's Threat Operations Center. [23:51] He drove Donald Trump around in a limo. [23:53] He overheard what Donald Trump said to Jeffrey on his cell phone. [23:57] He was so angry, he was going to stop a limo and hurt Donald Trump. [24:00] And he met a girl who said she was raped by Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. [24:05] She later had her head blown off. [24:07] And officers at the scene said that could not have been suicide. [24:10] No one, no one at the Department of Justice interviewed this witness. [24:19] You need to interview this witness immediately. [24:23] Epstein should rot in hell. [24:24] So should the men who patronized his operation. [24:27] And as we sit here today, there are over 1,000 sex trafficking victims. [24:33] And you have not held a single man accountable. [24:36] Shame on you. [24:37] If you had any decency, you would resign right after this hearing concludes. [24:41] The gentleman has expired. [24:44] May I respond? [24:45] Yeah, I don't know how you respond. [24:46] No one can respond. [24:46] I did not ask a question. [24:48] He doesn't want to talk about the crime in California. [24:51] He does not want to talk about crime in his state. [24:55] I did not ask a question. [24:58] Many will be in order. [24:59] The gentleman who's yielded back his time. [25:01] I think our next witness will be more than happy to let the Attorney General respond. [25:05] Madam Attorney General, would you like to respond? [25:06] The gentleman from Alabama is recognized for five minutes. [25:09] You have a few minutes to respond. [25:10] Thank you, Congressman. [25:12] This is what Congressman Lew didn't want to talk about. [25:16] He didn't want to talk about all the crime that is happening in his state. [25:23] California refuses to honor detainees because of its dangers. [25:29] Sanctuary City policies. [25:32] The refusal means California has released 4,561 criminal illegal aliens onto its street. [25:45] The crimes of these aliens include 31 homicides, 661 assaults, 574 burglaries, [25:56] 184 robberies. [25:59] 184 robberies. [25:59] 184 robberies. [25:59] 184 robberies. [25:59] 184 robberies. [25:59] 184 robberies. [25:59] 1,489 dangerous drug offenses, 379 weapons offenses, and 234 sexual predator offenses. [26:16] That's why they are deflecting. [26:19] That's why they're trying to talk about the Epstein files. [26:22] That's currently happening in his home state. [26:25] Attorney General, thank you for being here, and I wanted to make sure you had [26:30] time to respond. [26:31] I'm going to change gears a little bit. [26:34] In October, when you were testifying before the Senate, I know you and my friend Senator [26:38] Katie Britt discussed concerns of infiltration of the illegal Chinese vapes into our country. [26:44] As a father of three, obviously, I'm worried a little bit about this, and I believe that [26:47] many parents in the country share similar concerns. [26:51] Can you provide an update on DOJ's work in this space over the past few months? [26:55] Yes, and thank you for bringing that up. [26:59] We're talking about the vapes. [27:02] This should be an issue where both sides of the aisle can work together on. [27:06] Parents need to understand, children need to understand that so many of these are being [27:12] manufactured in China, sent to our country, and have the potential to be laced with lethal [27:19] drugs. [27:20] We've seen an overdose. [27:22] We need to get on the front end of this before we have another crisis and children are dying. [27:28] I've partnered with Secretary Kennedy, of course, at HHS on this matter. [27:32] But thank you for bringing it up. [27:34] They're selling these things as flavored vapes illegally in many stores around the country. [27:43] Secretary Kennedy and I actually went and did something on this, and it was sadly the [27:49] day that Charlie Kirk was assassinated. [27:52] And so it didn't get a lot of attention, nor should it have after that happened. [27:57] But yes, we're continuing to work on that, and thank you for bringing that up. [28:01] That's happening. [28:02] It's happening in all of our states, and I would ask everyone here—I know Congresswoman [28:06] Ross was just nodding—it's happening in every state. [28:10] And not only are they laced with THC, many of these vapes, but they could be laced with [28:15] fentanyl. [28:16] We have had a child—I wish I could think of the state it was in—but we have already [28:20] had someone overdose, and we have to get together on this, and we have to get on the front end [28:26] of this. [28:27] And I would love to work across the aisle on this to protect our kids. [28:31] How many school kids do you see now vaping? [28:34] And it's not only—I believe a vape has 20 cigarettes, but, you know, that's—one vape [28:41] is 20 cigarettes, I believe it is—but also what they could be laced with, because so [28:46] many of them, the majority of them, are manufactured in China. [28:50] Sure. [28:51] And if you need additional resources, please let us know as you're going through the process. [28:53] Thank you. [28:54] And I'm going to change gears one more time on you. [28:57] Under the Biden administration, there was a lot of confusion created when parts of the [29:01] DOJ began treating software developers like financial institutions. [29:06] Even when they did not hold or control anyone's money, they were simply building the technology. [29:10] That uncertainty certainly made it harder for Americans to build and innovate here at [29:14] home. [29:15] Earlier this year, the deputy attorney general issued a memo entitled Ending Regulations [29:20] by Prosecution, a clear break from the Biden administration's approach. [29:25] And I think it's important that we—that's a good step in the right direction, but can [29:28] you talk a bit about how the DOJ is now putting that memo into practice? [29:31] Especially when it comes to making sure that people are just writing the software and don't [29:35] control the users' funds and aren't—we don't want them treated as an unlicensed money—or [29:40] they're not money transmitters, so. [29:42] Yes, and we're doing everything we can to protect the American people on that. [29:46] And I would refer everyone to Deputy Attorney General Blanch's memo, and we're working [29:51] as hard as we can on that topic. [29:52] Sure, because we want to lead the way in the space on that, so we'd appreciate the help. [29:56] And with that, Mr. Chairman, I'll yield back 10 seconds. [29:58] The gentleman yields back. [30:01] We'll recognize the gentleman from Arizona for unanimous consent. [30:02] Thank you. [30:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [30:04] I have a number of UCs. [30:05] The gentleman can proceed. [30:06] Thank you. [30:07] Bombshell new docs show Trump called police about Epstein in 2006. [30:10] Without objection. [30:12] Kamala Harris defends Biden administration decision not to release Epstein files. [30:16] Without objection. [30:17] Why weren't they released during the Biden administration? [30:21] Without objection. [30:22] House Democrat Stacey Plaskett exchanged texts with Epstein during 2019 congressional hearing. [30:27] Without objection. [30:28] New York judge allows Epstein victims' claims against Plaskett to proceed. [30:32] Without objection. [30:33] Hakeem Jeffries solicited funding from Epstein in 2013 after financier was convicted child [30:38] sex offender. [30:39] Without objection. [30:40] Jeffrey Epstein was invited to dim fundraising dinner and to get to know Hakeem Jeffries [30:45] by firm working with Brooklyn's Barack. [30:47] Without objection. [30:48] An email from Leslie Groff to Jeffrey Epstein concerning Hakeem Jeffries fundraising. [30:58] Epstein file says Biden was replaced in 2019. [31:01] Question mark. [31:02] Without objection. [31:03] Thank you. [31:05] You're welcome. [31:06] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [31:07] I'm Mark Shields. [31:08] Back, the gentleman from California is recognized, Mr. Cray. [31:12] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and welcome, Miss A.G. [31:15] Bondi. [31:16] I agree with you. [31:19] Our top priority should be protecting Americans. [31:22] In my past life in the California state legislature, I did a lot of work on solving sex crimes, [31:28] passing legislation to update our codes. [31:31] And I found that the biggest challenge to solving sex crimes is reporting them. [31:38] Victims have to have the guts to stand up to report. [31:41] those sex crimes. But it's not easy. It's the most unreported sex crime there is. [31:47] Crime there is is sex crimes. It's painful, humiliating. A lot of times the victims don't [31:54] think anything's going to come out of their reporting these crimes. Then we have adults [31:59] who as children were molested, boys and girls, who will live in silence for the rest of their life. [32:09] I believe the Epstein files are just one of many sex rings, sex crimes taking place in our society [32:16] today. I hear 1,200 Epstein victims, some additional victims as young as nine to 10 years [32:24] old. The challenge I have today, what bothers me today about this hearing, Madam AG, is what's the [32:33] message we're sending out there on Main Street? Shouldn't ask a question I don't know an answer [32:39] to, but I'm going to ask the victims behind you right now. First, can you please stand up? And [32:46] then can you please raise your hand if you think after everything you've heard today, [32:53] you feel... [32:54] There are AG, the feds have your back. Do we have your back? Raise your hand if you're confident [33:00] that we got your back. And that's the issue, Madam AG. We've got to make sure that victims [33:07] stand up and report the crimes. Otherwise, we're going to be taking a step backwards. [33:13] Today, AI, cyber, social media, the new realm for people to be hurt, attacked sexually, [33:23] these are the areas I'd welcome the opportunity to work with you. [33:28] Guards! [33:29] It is not your problem, it's not my problem, it's our problem. But to have redacted, redacted files [33:36] that are not showing us the names of these predators is wrong. These are very powerful people. [33:44] This was a very expensive business. And we don't know who they are. I don't imagine they're very [33:53] prominent Republicans, they're Republican Democrats. And we are covering up for them. We got to know [34:01] what's going on out there, Madam AG. [34:03] Guards! [34:04] looks like you want to say some I'm gonna give the opportunity to address my [34:08] statement I look forward to working with you on any crimes involving child sex [34:17] predators children and also cyber crimes that is a tremendous problem now [34:21] throughout our country AI you are correct AI is causing great problems [34:27] online regarding we're working on that though AI is an incredible tool but it [34:32] also can be fraught with peril with victims of crime I've experienced that [34:37] with someone I know who we've been trying to help I look forward there to [34:41] working with you on that and I'm at a cyber crimes can I can I please go ahead [34:45] and and as I said before to any victims we ask them to come forward to our [34:52] office and we want to work with them I have never not worked with a victim and [34:57] I believe I've actually spoken to several of them if I can remain my time [35:01] behind me [35:02] you're welcome [35:02] I can reclaim my time I just think we start out by making sure those [35:06] redactions are unredacted those Epstein files to make sure that the public [35:12] according to the law following the law that those names in those files are made [35:18] public we have to make sure we tell those predators there is no place for [35:22] them to hide and if they commit the crime they're gonna fry for it it starts [35:28] with showing us the names of the perpetrators in the Epstein files may I [35:35] respond to that [35:36] sure okay so if any man's name was redacted that should not have been we [35:43] will of course unredacted if a victim's name was unredacted please bring it to [35:51] us and we will redact it we were given 30 days to review and redact and [35:58] unredact millions of pages of documents our error rate is very low victims right [36:07] behind you [36:07] we've got to convince them size we're doing a good job everything we can [36:12] protecting the victims we will do everything we can here a lot of time [36:15] gentleman yields back the gentleman from California mr. Kiley's recognized thank [36:20] you mr. chair good morning madam Attorney General I wanted to return to a [36:23] point that the chairman raised at the beginning of this hearing which is these [36:26] jurisdictions that refused to offer to honor detainer requests from a great [36:31] immigration and customs enforcement often called sanctuary jurisdictions now [36:36] I know that you are not involved in any of this but I do know that you are not [36:38] involved directly in immigration operations per se but you do deal with [36:42] the legal issues surrounding these jurisdictions so let's say we have [36:46] someone who's here illegally who has committed a crime that like the [36:49] thousands of people you mentioned in California murder sexual predators drug [36:53] traffickers if that individual is in detention in a jurisdiction that has a [36:58] sanctuary policy where they do not honor ice detainers versus in a any other [37:04] jurisdiction where they do how does the nature of the jurisdiction that you're in [37:08] charge of apprehending that person how does the nature of Isis involvement in [37:13] that operation differ in those two circumstances well I believe you've seen [37:19] that in Minnesota where where people were not cooperating with us I believe [37:24] there a lot of local law enforcement did want to cooperate but we are doing [37:28] everything in our power to arrest and deport illegal criminal aliens and that [37:35] is not going to stop under Donald Trump's administration [37:39] you know why sanctuary cities are so dangerous what we've seen in Minneapolis [37:44] where do all the criminals go the criminal the gangs TDA MS-13 where are they going to [37:50] go they're going to go to a sanctuary jurisdiction because they believe they're protected and that's [37:54] not fair to the citizens of those cities yeah and this is a point that there at least used [38:00] to be a lot of consensus on uh the idea that you know it's better to do a handoff to the [38:06] immigration authorities in a custodial setting rather than releasing them [38:09] where they have to be apprehended in the community this is Alejandro Mayorkas [38:13] when he was before this committee not exactly a paragon of border security but [38:18] he said I do not consider it in the service of public safety to release an individual into [38:23] the community when that individual can be released to immigration and customs enforcement for prompt [38:28] removal now his words are one thing his actions are another but when you have jurisdictions across [38:33] the country including my state of California doing systematically precisely the thing that [38:39] even Alejandro [38:39] Mayorkas said threatens public safety I mean what does that say to you it's a danger to the citizens [38:46] of your community and thank you for fighting to protect them absolutely and you know we're [38:51] having this conversation right now in relation to Homeland Security funding and I believe there [38:55] are some common sense reforms that have been proposed that folks on both sides would agree [39:00] makes sense but those reforms have to go hand in hand with reforming this reckless practice [39:06] of refusing to cooperate refusing to honor detainers and declaring oneself to be a sanctuary [39:12] and a place where we can find bipartisan support for what has long been a bipartisan principal I want [39:18] to go to a second topic which is the school board memo which I know that you have rescinded and it [39:26] was initially promulgated by Attorney General garland when he came into office with President [39:33] Biden essentially opening an investigation into parents who are showing up at school board meetings [39:42] policies, masks, various other issues, and using the full apparatus of federal law enforcement [39:49] and counterterrorism to go after these parents. Now, he said this was because there was an [39:53] increase of threats, but when even his own FBI director, Christopher Wray, was before this [39:58] committee, he said there was no evidence of an increase in threats. Yet nevertheless, when I [40:02] asked him if he regretted the memo, Attorney General Garland said there was absolutely nothing [40:08] wrong with the memo. Now, I take it you disagree with that, having now rescinded it? [40:14] Absolutely. That was one of the main focuses of President Trump in this administration. [40:21] We will protect parents at school boards. We will protect children in schools. We will protect [40:26] parents' rights for their children's education in our school system in this country. We will [40:34] protect Christians. We will protect everyone who wants to [40:38] freedom. [40:38] If Christians want to protest in front of an abortion clinic without being arrested, [40:44] they will do so. [40:46] Thank you very much. And finally, I thank you for your efforts to step up the detection and [40:52] rooting out of fraud. My home state is California. Any idea if there might be any fraud going on in [40:57] California? [40:57] Well, we are establishing, as you have heard, a fraud unit. And I'm sorry you're having to deal [41:03] with that in your state, but the cavalry is coming. And we have Colin McDonald, who hopefully [41:08] will be confirmed. [41:09] We're working on Minneapolis. I don't know if you were sitting here when I said that, but [41:13] California was right up there. I'm sorry to say, for both sides of the aisle, that California is [41:19] right up there with fraud. It's out of control. But we are coming to your rescue. Donald Trump is [41:23] coming to the rescue. [41:24] Well, thank you very much. And unfortunately, I think you'll find that what's happening in [41:27] California pales in comparison to what's been going on in Minnesota. Thank you. I yield back. [41:31] Gentleman yields back. The gentleman from Maryland is recognized. [41:35] Actually, I think the gentlelady from Pennsylvania. [41:37] Gentlelady from Pennsylvania is recognized. [41:38] Thank you. [41:40] Mr. Chairman, Ms. Bondi, I'm here. On September 25th, President Trump signed a memorandum known as [41:46] NSPM 7, purporting to address domestic terrorism. But Americans across the political spectrum were [41:54] immediately alarmed by the memo's blurring of the line between unlawful conduct and constitutionally [42:01] protected speech and activity, as well as its call to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle groups [42:08] that the president and Stephen Miller described without evidence as, quote, an organized campaign [42:15] of radical left terrorism. Now, counterterrorism experts were further alarmed by the administration's [42:22] singular focus on left-wing extremism, combined with the sudden deletion from the DOJ website [42:30] of decades of research and law enforcement analysis, which had concluded that right-wing [42:36] extremism possesses... [42:39] The president's memo broadly and vaguely links violent conduct to ideologies, and it targeted specifically [42:49] anti-American, anti-Christian, and anti-capitalist beliefs, as well as, quote, hostility to so-called [42:56] traditional American views on family religion and morality, end quote. President Trump has repeatedly [43:02] and openly, however falsely, tried to brand his political opponents with these sentiments listed [43:08] in his memo. But as you know, as a lawyer, holding beliefs that the White House disagrees with is not [43:15] a crime. And the statute defining domestic terrorism requires criminal acts, not just [43:21] thoughts and ideas. That's why legal experts, nonprofit leaders, religious freedom, and civil [43:26] rights advocates immediately raised the alarm that the new presidential directive was a politically [43:32] motivated attack on civil society designed to silence those who disagree with the administration. [43:38] So Ms. Bondi, section three of that memo directed you as attorney general to submit to the president [43:46] and Stephen Miller a list of groups or entities whose members are engaged in acts that meet the [43:52] definition of domestic terrorism. And then on December 4th, you directed the FBI to work with [43:59] a variety of law enforcement entities to compile a list of groups and entities engaged in such acts. [44:08] And to update that report every 30 days thereafter. So can we assume that you or persons under your [44:15] direction at the Department of Justice have prepared that list of groups or entities who [44:21] are designated as domestic terrorist organizations? And I just remind you, that's a yes or no question. [44:27] Well, I'm not going to answer a yes or no, but what I will say [44:31] is I know Antifa is part of that. I will talk to you about that. [44:34] I'm reclaiming my time. I asked you whether you- [44:38] And on February 5th, 2025- [44:38] And on February 5th, 2025- [44:38] And on February 5th, 2025- [44:38] An Antifa member was arrested in Minneapolis- [44:41] I'm reclaiming my time. [44:43] They ask a question and don't want an answer. [44:46] The answer is yes or no. [44:48] Time belongs to the gentlelady from Pennsylvania. Gentlelady can proceed. [44:51] Okay. So will you commit to providing this committee with any list [44:58] of organizations that you have recommended be designated as domestic terrorist organizations? [45:05] We will comply with the law in all matters. [45:11] Will you commit to provide- [45:13] Will you commit to provide this committee with your list of entities that you recommend be [45:20] designated as domestic terrorist organizations? [45:23] I'm not going to commit to anything to you because you won't let me answer questions. [45:28] Okay. Well, then we do understand that your current position is that you have a secret [45:33] list of people or groups that you are accusing of domestic terrorism, [45:38] but you won't share it with Congress. And I'd remind you that when the US government designates an [45:44] entity as a foreign terrorist organization, it must report that to Congress and to the entity, [45:51] because the government can make a mistake and the entity has the opportunity to contest it. So [45:57] your position seems to be that if you falsely designate an American or an American organization [46:02] as a terrorist group, there's nothing they can do about it. I think we get it. You don't want [46:10] to answer the question. [46:10] You don't get anything regarding public safety. [46:13] Thank you. [46:13] Nothing. [46:15] Thank you for the insult. [46:16] It's clear you didn't come to Congress prepared to answer questions that the American people [46:21] have every right to have answered. But if you were to be prepared to answer truthfully, [46:26] here's what we expect the facts to show. The administration is keeping lists of Americans [46:31] who the White House says are engaged in domestic terrorism. Those lists could include Americans who [46:36] have not committed any acts of terrorism, but simply disagree with this administration, [46:42] people like Renee Goode and Alex Preti. [46:46] And your list [46:46] may include clergy, elected officials and members of indivisible groups across the country. And [46:52] those lists likely don't include Proud Boys or Oath Keepers who were actually convicted. [46:58] Americans have never tolerated political demagogues who use the government to punish [47:03] people on an enemies list. It brought down McCarthy, it brought down Nixon, [47:08] and it will bring down this administration as well. [47:11] And you're right. That's why we're so glad they rescinded the [47:14] memorandum targeting parents. Goodness sake, as the gentleman from California just pointed out, [47:21] in his five minutes, the gentleman from Kentucky is recognized. [47:25] May I respond very briefly to her statement? [47:28] I think we can do that probably on one of our members . [47:32] Okay, thank you. I don't want that to get away. Thank you. [47:35] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Behind me, I have three documents [47:38] from the DOJ production that are emblematic of the massive failure of the DOJ to comply with the [47:44] Epstein files' transcriber records and the DOJ's DOJ documents toPPsonate with the Epstein files' [47:45] Transparency Act. To my right is an email that was sent by the victim's lawyers to the DOJ. It was a [47:52] list of names not to redact, or sorry, a list of names not to release. What did the DOJ do with [47:59] this email? They released this email in the document production. Literally the worst thing [48:05] you could do to the survivors, you did. And they're getting phone calls. A lot of these people didn't [48:12] want to be known. And we know you touched the document because you redacted one name and you [48:17] redacted the lawyer's name, but you left the survivor's name there. The next document I want [48:22] to show you, that was in the title, the victim's survivor's names, right? The title of this one is [48:30] child sex trafficking, co-conspirators, fully redacted. And by the way, I'm going to unredact [48:40] them here. Les Wexner is in this. Now your assistant, your deputy, [48:46] attorney general, said, oh, well, he appears hundreds of times in the files, but he doesn't [48:53] appear in this file until I forced you to release it, where he's listed as a co-conspirator, not to [49:00] tax evasion, but to child sex trafficking, not to prostitution, not to money laundering, child sex [49:08] trafficking. And then finally, what we have here is the third exhibit that I have is emblematic [49:17] of the victim's life. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And [49:17] I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And [49:18] then finally, what we have here is the third exhibit that I have is emblematic of the victim's life. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. And I'm going to unredact this one. [49:49] down from the website that we will never see because we can't search the [49:55] redactions so I have several questions for you who's responsible are you able [50:01] to track who in your organization did made this massive failure and released [50:06] the victims names are you able to track who it was that obscured less Wexner's [50:12] name as a co-conspirator in an FBI document do you have that kind of [50:17] accountability I believe Wexner's name was listed more than 4,000 times about I [50:25] had yeah I already told you that this is where he's listed as a co-conspirator my [50:29] answer come on let me finish my answer we corrected that within 40 minutes he [50:36] was already you're acting like everybody's trying to cover up Wexner's [50:39] name reclaiming reclaiming my time answer this question claiming my time [50:43] he was mr. chairman all this work can I have my time he was he's chairman the [50:48] judge [50:49] lady can can give her answer the time belongs to the gentleman from all right [50:52] I'm reclaiming my time my answer so I'm gonna put the language of the bill up on [50:56] the screen chairman I have another question on that here's the political [51:01] joke and I need to give my answer we'll let the attorney general respond and [51:06] then the gentleman can move chairman it's my time in 40 minutes you asked me [51:09] a question you can give me 40 minutes Wexner's name was added back then 40 [51:15] minutes of me catching you red-handed ready [51:18] here was one [51:19] one redaction out of over 40 and we invited you in this guy has Trump [51:27] derangement syndrome he needs to get you're a failed politician [51:30] chairman please restore his time and remind the witness himself there is no [51:36] credible information none if there were I would bring the case yesterday that he [51:42] trafficked to other individuals is that your position as well my position is any victim [51:51] comes forward of course we would love to hear from them 1-800-CALL-FBI did you ask Merrick Garland [52:00] that the last four years did you talk about Epstein I am reclaiming my time I'm glad you're [52:06] asking about Merrick Garland because this is bigger than Watergate this goes over four [52:12] administrations you don't have to go back to Biden let's go back to Obama let's go back to George [52:17] Bush this cover-up spans decades and you are responsible for this portion of it now I want [52:24] to know at what point at what point did the FBI and the DOJ decide that Lex Wessner was not a [52:32] co-conspirator because our Epstein files transparency act requires you please put it [52:38] back on the screen please to release the internal decision about whether to prosecute him or not [52:45] and it's not in the files and it's not in the files for [52:48] any of these other men time of the gentleman has which may she answer and he's a hypocrite because [52:54] he voted against the ban that we were talking about on deep fake AI porn only two people voted [53:01] against it and you were one of them hypocrite the uh the gentleman's time has expired that [53:07] she didn't answer the question that Mr. Chairman Mr. Chairman could she answer the question [53:12] chairman I was wondering the general lady's allowed the attorney general's allowed to [53:15] respond the way she wants to respond to any member's questions Republican [53:18] Democrat all right I have unanimous consent request gentleman's recognized for a UC all right [53:24] this is an example I'm submitting these 302 forms that are entirely redacted even when you go to look [53:31] at that objection I'm submitting a witness statement that implicates Les Wexner that [53:37] objection I'm submitting an article from the New York Times the DOJ released nude photos [53:43] and identifiable pictures of the victims I'm submitting a letter from [53:50] A.G. Bondi to Kash Patel imploring him to quit keeping the files when you found out that they [53:58] were keeping files from you because they're still redacting files that you chairman are we going to [54:03] I am going to recess for votes yes we are I'm submitting for unanimous consent a document of 17 [54:10] individuals who've resigned because of the Epstein files not objection just want to check on what [54:21] time what time uh how much time we have left in votes but one thing I've learned here of late that [54:27] we've had uh how much time do we have oh they just called okay uh the the chair now recognizes the [54:38] gentleman from Maryland and thank you Mr. Chairman uh I want to start by saying I appreciate what you [54:43] said Attorney General Bondi and you said it to me personally uh that you take the personal security [54:49] of every member of Congress seriously and that people can contact you about that and in these [54:53] times that's a very serious matter so I thank you for that um article 2 section 1 clause 7 of the [55:01] constitution is the domestic emoluments clause [55:03] and it says that the president is limited to his salary in office and cannot receive any other [55:09] money from the federal government while he's in office it cannot be increased by one dollar [55:15] this president is the first president in U.S. history who has repeatedly sued the federal [55:20] government sue the federal government for 230 million dollars uh for the judicial search warrant [55:26] at Mar-a-Lago which was perfectly lawful and was never struck down but now he's suing the IRS [55:32] for 10 billion dollars he's suing the IRS for 10 billion dollars which I think is around [55:37] 80 percent of its annual budget because his tax returns were leaked and they were illegally leaked [55:45] by a private contractor who actually is in prison now Charles Littlejohn but he wants 10 billion [55:50] dollars now um but I I wanted I want to ask you the question of whether you think it would [55:56] violate the domestic emoluments clause for you to settle that 10 billion dollar case or any of the [56:03] uh claims that the president's made against the government he himself has remarked uh it's [56:08] interesting because I'm the one that makes the deal right and he says I kind of have to work [56:14] it out with myself do you think it would violate the domestic emoluments clause for the president [56:19] to work out a deal from people or his subordinates under his unitary executive theory to get money [56:25] in one of these cases I'm not going to discuss pending litigation okay so theoretically you're [56:32] saying uh because his uh privacy rights were violated uh in that tax case and they were I'm [56:39] with the president that I mean his Mar-a-Lago thing is ridiculous but there's no doubt that [56:43] his tax returns despite the fact that he promised to release them despite the fact that every other [56:48] president released the tax returns uh he suffered embarrassment when it showed that he hadn't paid [56:52] taxes for several years and he had a right for that not to happen now I want to turn back to [56:57] the Epstein survivors because President Trump may have been a little bit [57:02] embarrassed by the release of those uh tax returns how much do you think the claims of [57:11] these survivors are worth as um the good congressman from Kentucky just pointed out there [57:18] were lots of survivors who had decided for reasons of their own never to release their names that [57:26] determination was representative people in Congress and we built it into our federal law [57:31] that their names could not be released [57:33] and yet you published their names their phone numbers their addresses personally identifying [57:38] information if Donald Trump can get 10 billion dollars theoretically from the Department of [57:43] Justice how much should these people get for a far worse violation of their privacy rights and [57:50] a far greater danger established to them in their lives do you even know who Chase Mulligan is you're [58:01] so obsessed with you don't do you I'm going to teach you the rules again you're the attorney [58:04] John the United States we have rules here with him [58:07] You're the Attorney General of the United States, and the rules- [58:08] You're obsessed with Donald Trump, you have Trump derangement syndrome. [58:11] Mr. Chairman, I'd like my time restored. [58:13] I'd like my time restored. [58:14] In your district, in your district, and you don't even know about it, about keeping children [58:19] safe from online predators. [58:21] Time belongs to the gentleman from Maryland. [58:23] The gentleman can proceed. [58:24] Yeah, and I just, I want the whole country to look at this, because this is the Attorney [58:29] General of the United States, whose job is law enforcement. [58:31] We've never had a witness who has misunderstood our rules and been unable to conform his or [58:38] her conduct to our rules before. [58:40] We have only five minutes, and so we use our time to ask you specific questions. [58:46] How long are you giving me to answer? [58:47] Excuse me, I'm not yielding to you right now. [58:49] I'd like that second restored, too. [58:52] So, Ms. Bondy, the way it works is, we ask you a question, and you answer it, and if [58:56] you go off on a wild goose chase, another tangent, you start reading statistics, or [59:01] you start talking. [59:02] You start talking about stuff going on in our district, and by the way, I invite you [59:04] to my district. [59:05] Come to my district, but that's not what we're here to do today, okay? [59:09] So, and you do that, then we're allowed to say we reclaim our time. [59:12] At that point, you have to be quiet. [59:15] You have no choice. [59:16] You have to be quiet. [59:17] So, I hope you understand the rule of this point. [59:19] Now, here's what I want to ask you. [59:22] You're in law enforcement. [59:24] We've seen all kinds of evidence of crimes, and when we go over to the Department of Justice [59:28] for the four computers for every member of Congress, we see more evidence of crimes. [59:32] Will you create? [59:33] Will you create a joint task force of the Department of Justice and governors and state [59:39] attorney generals and district attorneys across the country to investigate the crimes that [59:43] have taken place against these victims and more than a thousand like them? [59:47] The DOJ is not doing its job. [59:49] Will you create a task force with state and local law enforcement to make that happen? [59:58] The lady can respond if she wants to. [1:00:01] Thank you, Chairman. [1:00:03] He called Chase Mulligan a wild goose chase and didn't even know who he was. [1:00:07] He is a defender. [1:00:08] He is a defendant in your own district who preyed on girls ages 15 to 17 in social media and online chat rooms and committed sex tortion, yet he didn't even know in your tiny little district who he was? [1:00:25] Mr. Chairman, she's embarrassing you. [1:00:26] He's about to be fined. [1:00:27] This is your committee, and she is embarrassing you. [1:00:29] The time of the gentleman has expired. [1:00:32] I would remind the committee that last Congress, Secretary Myers was here numerous times, and [1:00:37] he wouldn't answer our questions, even when we sent them to him ahead of time in writing. [1:00:42] So that's what we've had to deal with. [1:00:45] I think the attorney general is doing just fine. [1:00:47] We have votes shortly. [1:00:49] I will go to the gentleman from Virginia, and then we will take a break to head to the floor. [1:00:53] I thank the chairman. [1:00:55] Attorney General Bondi, thank you for being here. [1:00:58] And I wanted to thank you for your work at DOJ in restoring the rule of law, encouraging [1:01:03] transparency surrounding Jack Smith's partisan investigations into President Trump, declassifying [1:01:08] information about the Russia collusion hoax, cracking down on sanctuary jurisdictions, [1:01:13] and establishing the National Fraud Enforcement Division. [1:01:16] Let me first go to securing the border and immigration enforcement. [1:01:21] Our new governor has recently rescinded 287 cooperation between the state and ICE. [1:01:27] Can you talk about, have you evaluated the public safety impact, how that would affect [1:01:33] safety in Virginia to withdraw that support and what that would do? [1:01:37] Do you have any thoughts on that? [1:01:37] Would that be detrimental to criminal activity involving illegal immigrants in Virginia? [1:01:42] Yes, it would be detrimental. [1:01:45] And as you know, Congressman, one of the top members of MS-13 in the entire country was [1:01:55] living in Virginia, in a suburb among all of us, living not even probably half an hour [1:02:04] away from where we are now. [1:02:07] And the cooperation previously. [1:02:09] Yeah. [1:02:10] With the governor, with the members, the members of the state of Virginia helped catch him [1:02:19] and take him off our streets. [1:02:21] An illegal MS-13, one of the heads for the entire country, was living in Virginia. [1:02:27] And it's a shame that that's happening now. [1:02:30] And thank you for bringing it, talking about it, because we're going to keep America safe. [1:02:37] And when people feel like they can flee to these cities and states. [1:02:41] And be safe. [1:02:42] They can't. [1:02:43] Because Donald Trump is going to protect Americans. [1:02:46] We're going to protect the citizens there, whether or not the governors, the mayors are [1:02:51] going to do it or not. [1:02:52] But President Trump is. [1:02:53] We're going to keep Americans safe from violent gang members like he's been doing this last [1:02:57] year. [1:02:58] We appreciate that. [1:02:59] We appreciate your work to make that happen in Virginia and keep Virginia safe. [1:03:03] I want to move on to the Fraud Enforcement Division that you've established. [1:03:07] My understanding is that this initiative is intended to centralize, coordinate enforcement, [1:03:11] and prevent fraud laws related to government programs. [1:03:13] You've talked about Minnesota. [1:03:14] You've talked about California. [1:03:15] Would this affect Virginia as well? [1:03:17] Because we have fraud in Virginia as well. [1:03:20] Absolutely. [1:03:21] And we look forward to working with you. [1:03:24] Would this affect things like long-term care, accountability, senior living facilities engaged [1:03:29] in Medicaid fraud, including systemic over-billing practices and the misappropriation of taxpayer-funded [1:03:34] benefits? [1:03:35] That is exactly what it's set up to help. [1:03:37] Okay. [1:03:38] I know that whether it was related to fraud specifically. [1:03:42] Or another subject that under the Biden administration, there was a sitting member of the Virginia [1:03:50] General Assembly under investigation. [1:03:52] Is that investigation still ongoing? [1:03:56] Can you speak to that? [1:03:57] I can't discuss that. [1:03:58] Okay. [1:04:00] I'm going to move on to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. [1:04:08] Last year, President Trump signed the one big, beautiful bill into law, which included [1:04:13] the Hearing Protection Act. [1:04:15] Part of it. [1:04:16] It was sponsored by myself and Congressman Clyde. [1:04:19] It reduced the national firearms tax, $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms [1:04:23] to zero. [1:04:25] And while the tax has been eliminated, the NFA's registration and paperwork requirements [1:04:29] were made in effect. [1:04:30] And your DOJ has said that that would, even though the tax was reduced to zero, that the [1:04:41] registration requirement is still somehow necessary. [1:04:44] Okay. [1:04:45] So with regard to Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act, when that mandate was, when that [1:04:53] tax penalty was reduced to zero, you decided that the mandate was no longer necessary. [1:04:57] How are you, how are you justifying the existence of this registry? [1:05:03] Congressman, that's pending litigation right now. [1:05:07] It is. [1:05:08] It is. [1:05:09] And I would hope you would reconsider. [1:05:10] You would reconsider that. [1:05:11] I yield back. [1:05:12] The gentleman yield. [1:05:13] The gentleman yield. [1:05:14] I yield to the chairman. [1:05:15] I think, I think that. [1:05:17] Attorney General Bondi. [1:05:18] Why did Jack Smith have to pay some secret source? [1:05:19] $20,000 of taxpayer money. [1:05:20] Do you know the answer to that? [1:05:21] I can't discuss anything on that matter, but that's a good question. [1:05:22] Chairman Jordan. [1:05:23] Well said. [1:05:26] It's a good question because he subpoenaed just about every Republican in this town, [1:05:27] got half the Congress's phone numbers. [1:05:28] If you were a Republican. [1:05:29] But he has to pay some secret source, a bunch of taxpayer money. [1:05:30] We'd like to know, the committee would like to know, how many other sources he paid? [1:05:31] Was it more than $20,000? [1:05:32] Why he had to do those things? [1:05:33] We'd like to know when you can, if you could get that information out there. [1:05:34] We'd like to know if you could get that information out there. [1:05:35] We'd like to know if you could get that information out there. [1:05:36] We'd like to know if you could get that information out there. [1:05:37] I think when you think about when you think about the guy who was trying put the president [1:05:39] the president of the United States in prison, how ridiculous did that whole thing was? [1:05:41] We'd kind of like to know the answer to that, if you could. [1:05:42] And with that, we're going to stand in a recess, we will go as quickly as we can and vote. [1:05:44] We have two quick votes on the floor and when we look back, there is actually one değil [1:06:04] in the back wall right here. [1:06:05] To join the Senate's arcane ceremony. [1:06:06] I mean, that'sасhe clearly since September 9th Kevin, I'll give you a crush on that. [1:06:07] some lunch if you all need it. We have for our members and since you're back [1:06:11] here you can have some we normally have plenty. Mr. Chairman. We'll take a recess. [1:06:15] Before we before you gavel out can I ask for unanimous consent to enter to a [1:06:19] record the article entitled inside Trump's DOJ dated October 16th 2020. [1:06:24] Without objection we stand in recess. And the gentleman from Colorado is [1:07:09] recognized for five minutes. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Attorney General Bondi [1:07:16] six days ago you posted online quote if you come for law enforcement the Trump [1:07:23] administration will come for you end quote. I want to show you just a brief [1:07:27] video it's about 30 seconds and I'll ask you a couple questions. Attorney General [1:08:08] Bondi that man works for you now right. [1:08:11] Who was that congressman. The man in that video the one who is in the police [1:08:19] warned body cam footage the one allegedly yelling kill him at police [1:08:24] officers on January 6th. His name is Jared Wise. He does work for us. He works [1:08:29] for you at the Department of Justice. He does. This is an individual whom a [1:08:34] federal grand jury indicted for two felonies and four misdemeanors related [1:08:40] to his participation in the attack on January 6th. One of those charges was [1:08:44] forcibly assaulting resisting opposing [1:08:46] intimidating and interfering with police with the intent to commit another [1:08:51] felony. This is who you choose as the chief law enforcement officer of the [1:08:57] United States of America to hire at the Department of Justice. Someone on video [1:09:03] yelling kill him at police officers. Right. I believe he was pardoned by [1:09:09] President Trump. Oh he was pardoned. You're right. You're right. Pardoned by [1:09:15] President Trump for his offense. Pardoned for yelling kill him at police officers. [1:09:21] And yet you expect hardworking police officers across the country to believe [1:09:26] that you take law enforcement seriously. You could imagine the reaction [1:09:33] so many folks across the country hearing the chief law enforcement officer [1:09:38] of the United States refuse to even condemn what that individual whom you've [1:09:44] now hired did. But in any event let's talk a little bit about some of the [1:09:50] other divisions within the Department of Justice and what's happened over the [1:09:53] last year. You're familiar with the public integrity section. [1:09:56] the doj's criminal division i think it's referred to as pin is that right yes okay do you know which [1:10:02] presidential administration under which the pin was first created i can tell you what administration [1:10:08] that the weaponization was ended under i'll reclaim my time this wasn't a trick question [1:10:12] you don't get to reclaim your time madam attorney general because i don't like it mr chairman [1:10:16] i don't explain the witness that he does reclaim his time because i don't answer a question to your [1:10:21] satisfaction mr chairman madam attorney general the time belongs to the gentleman from colorado [1:10:26] president under which penn was created was gerald ford it was created after water i'm not asking a [1:10:32] question madam attorney general the administration under which was created was gerald ford [1:10:36] when you first started as the attorney general of the united states there were 35 people working in [1:10:40] that office there are now two people working in that office because you have gutted it [1:10:43] how many people work for the national cryptocurrency enforcement team in the [1:10:48] criminal division today can i answer the question about penn i've asked you a question how many [1:10:56] people have a question but you don't know how many people work for the national cryptocurrency [1:11:00] enforcement team you won't answer how many i'll answer pin you will not be you know what i [1:11:07] actually you know what what's funny about this i'll say to the chairman what's funny about this [1:11:11] you know what the answer is and i think that i understand why the general does not want to answer [1:11:15] the question because you eliminated the national cryptocurrency enforcement team last year so i [1:11:19] understand why you don't want to tell the american people who works there yeah i understand why you [1:11:23] don't want to talk about mohammed solomon in your district in any event who murdered people mr [1:11:27] chairman will you stop the clock so his time is not wasted by the witness very generous with the [1:11:31] attorney general allowing extra time when we have these little disputes i understand you got the time [1:11:36] i might as well ask the chairman these questions because what is it your questions what's profound [1:11:42] the questions i've asked the crime mr chairman are not trick questions they're not gotcha questions [1:11:50] they're actually basic questions about how the department of justice functions and the [1:11:55] unwillingness of this attorney general to answer them in good faith when a member of congress asks [1:12:02] how many people work at the national cryptocurrency enforcement team and how many people work at the [1:12:03] national cryptocurrency enforcement team and the attorney general refuses to answer it [1:12:08] it is not a coincidence it's because she eliminated the team why because her boss the president of the [1:12:16] united states is making money hand over fist 1.4 billion dollars over the course of the last year [1:12:23] through cryptocurrency holdings i think what is happening at the department of justice [1:12:27] is a disgrace mr chairman and i would urge you to gain control of this hearing [1:12:35] with that i yield back to balance my time yeah i i would ask the gentleman does he agree with the [1:12:41] standing up of the deputy attorney general for dealing with fraud that's something that's [1:12:46] happened in this administration first time you talked about penn uh that happened with [1:12:50] this justice department we're talking about this mr chairman had you answered the question [1:12:55] in the attorney general answered the question in that way perhaps this hearing would have some [1:13:00] modicum of resembling something that has typically been fairly conventional an oversight hearing of the [1:13:06] department of justice that is not expired the the gentlelady from uh wyoming uh is recognized for [1:13:12] five minutes attorney general bondi i want to express my gratitude to the president you and [1:13:17] your team for your continued efforts against extreme anti-energy policies taken by states [1:13:23] and cities that serve only to increase costs on the american people this is an issue of great [1:13:29] concern for congress as well as the consumers at the behest of networks of non-governmental [1:13:36] growth activists democratic controlled states and cities are enacting laws and pursuing coordinated [1:13:42] lawsuits that would impose retroactive liability on energy producers for past global emissions [1:13:49] based on speculative future climate change harms the proponents of these plans call them climate [1:13:54] superfund laws but in reality that is simply window dressing for taxes and fees imposed on [1:14:00] consumers and businesses that don't even have a presence in these states or communities but if you [1:14:06] look at the [1:14:06] billions of dollars they hope to gain from these efforts the real goal here is to increase their [1:14:10] already mismanaged state budgets by imposing fees on consumers and businesses in energy producing [1:14:17] states such as the state of wyoming i would describe this as the tobacco litigation on [1:14:21] steroids vermont has enacted such a law and another has recently gone into effect in new [1:14:27] york similar laws are under consideration in a number of other states clearly this problem [1:14:33] is spreading would you agree that congress has [1:14:36] not authorized states to impose retroactive liability against energy producers and lawful [1:14:42] carbon emissions yes and would you also agree that protecting consumers is a core part of the doj's [1:14:49] mission absolutely would you further agree that combating state policies that seek to hide and [1:14:55] shift the true cost of programs like these uh uh onto consumers fits within your mission yes [1:15:03] so attorney general bondi fossil fuels are the foundation of the u.s. [1:15:07] economy and the recent winter storms underscored that gas coal and oil remain essential to grid [1:15:12] reliability and heating our homes can you confirm that the doj is fully committed to using all [1:15:19] available legal tools to stop these state and local level attacks on domestic energy production [1:15:24] congresswoman we are committed to that and so is the entire administration we talk about that [1:15:30] thank you thank you the president's april 2025 executive order directed the doj to identify and [1:15:36] act against state laws that burden the burden u.s energy production what concrete actions has the [1:15:42] doj and the administration more broadly taken to carry out this directive well we filed four [1:15:48] lawsuits we are filing multiple lawsuits many things are pending within this office to carry [1:15:53] that out okay states continue to invent new causes of action to pursue state climate lawfare as is [1:15:59] evidenced by michigan's recent novel claim related to antitrust violations the city of boulder colorado [1:16:06] also filed such a lawsuit despite refusing my challenge that they actually forego the use of [1:16:12] fossil fuels if they i disagree with them so much does the department of justice agree that these [1:16:17] novel approaches require a federal response and will the department pursue pursue such an approach [1:16:24] yes congresswoman and would be happy to talk to you more about that wonderful thank you [1:16:29] multiple climate lawsuits multiple climate lawsuits are now advancing toward tribal trial [1:16:36] even in states that rely on the u.s. government and the u.s. government and the u.s. government and [1:16:38] the u.s. government and the u.s. government and the u.s. government and the u.s. government and [1:16:38] those energy forms to provide heat and electricity for their citizens in fact in any community that [1:16:44] they all rely upon fossil fuels in some fashion is the department actively considering intervention [1:16:51] to protect federal supremacy over interstate emissions and energy policy yes we'd be happy [1:16:57] to discuss that with you thank you and clearly this is an area in which congress has a role to [1:17:02] play to that end i'm working with my colleagues in both the house and senate to craft legislation [1:17:07] tackling both these state laws [1:17:08] and the lawsuits that could destroy energy affordability for consumers. [1:17:13] To that end, are there any authorities or tools that DOJ and the administration don't currently have at their disposal [1:17:19] that would be helpful in that effort that Congress could adopt? [1:17:23] Well, we work with multiple agencies throughout the administration, but I'd be happy to talk to you about that more. [1:17:29] Wonderful. Thank you. I appreciate your effort in this regard. [1:17:32] And may I have 20 seconds of your time before to address something? [1:17:37] Yes. [1:17:38] Thank you. [1:17:40] Your colleague, Senator Neguse, didn't want to talk about crypto because he said I was a disgrace talking about crypto [1:17:53] because he didn't want to talk about the tremendous crime in his jurisdiction. [1:17:58] He voted no on preventing violence against women by illegal aliens. [1:18:04] Yet, on June 1, 2025, Mohammed Salman attacked members of the group, [1:18:10] ran for their lives in Boulder, Colorado, where an 82-year-old woman sustained burns on over half of her body [1:18:18] and eventually died from her injuries. [1:18:21] I believe that she was a Holocaust survivor. [1:18:23] She was. [1:18:25] The time the gentlelady has expired, the gentlelady yields back, and the gentlelady from Georgia is recognized. [1:18:31] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:18:33] Ms. Bondi, as the Florida Attorney General, attorneys from your office handled the appeal of my son, Jordan Davis, [1:18:41] as his murderer, which was denied. [1:18:45] As a result of the efforts of those attorneys under your watch, the court actually upheld the life sentence [1:18:51] for a man who used prejudice as his defense for murdering my son and scarring his friends for life. [1:18:58] Attorneys from your office, under your management, worked hard to remove a dangerous man from the community [1:19:05] who terrorized innocent people like my son and his friends. [1:19:10] The compassion and respect that my family received from my son, Jordan Davis, was not enough to save my son's life. [1:19:12] Their love and Mak president for my son, Grigory Stalwart, and the people with whom we worked [1:19:15] throughout that ordeal were critical to keep our faith in the rule of law and justice. [1:19:21] Based on my experiences, I have seen how strong victim services, sustained investigations, [1:19:26] celulose counselling, and well-supported prosecutor's tasks can make a meaningful difference [1:19:32] in the lives of families for grieving and suffering. [1:19:37] Ms. Bondi, just yes or no, would you agree that government officials should be respectful [1:19:42] and supportive lovely women and women supporting for their children and parents? [1:19:44] Ms. Bondi, just yes or no, would you agree that government officials should be respectful [1:19:44] victims families as they mourn first congresswoman thank you for for talking about that and i'm so [1:19:54] very sorry for what happened to your family thank you and and yes i agree with that with all victims [1:20:00] including the one sitting behind us today i absolutely do and also thank you for voting [1:20:06] yes on the lake and riley act thank you for that thank you okay so your answer is why the recent [1:20:12] treatment of families in minnesota raises really serious concerns for me because shortly after [1:20:17] mr alex pretti was murdered administration officials referred to him as an assassin and [1:20:22] called mr pretty the definition of domestic terrorism they also lied about mr pretty holding [1:20:28] a gun and threatening officers after ms renee good was murdered by ice officials in minneapolis [1:20:34] administration officials also accused her of being a domestic terrorist and investigated her wife [1:20:41] in a clear act of retaliation the state in mr preddy's mother made after the murder resonated [1:20:47] with police officers and noodle price was a way to make friends with the victim of crime and the [1:20:47] with me more than you'll ever imagine. She said that, and I'm quoting, the sickening lies told [1:20:54] about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting, end quote. And I assure you, I know [1:21:02] how it feels to hear lies that are told to justify the taking of someone's son. They were used by my [1:21:11] son's murderer as a defense, and those lies still affect me today. He was called a thug, and he was [1:21:19] called a gangbanger. And the attorneys from your office actually defended my son's name, his memory, [1:21:27] and defended his honor. I'm certain that Mr. Petty's mother watched videos of her son, Alex, [1:21:33] an ICU nurse at the VA hospital, using his phone to record federal agents. She also watched him [1:21:39] getting pepper sprayed, kicked, hit in the head, and surrounded by at least seven agents before [1:21:45] having his gun removed from his waistband, which he legally carried. [1:21:50] And she [1:21:51] watched seconds later as two of those agents shot her son, Alex, at least 10 times. The [1:21:58] administration was quick to spew an incorrect narrative and call him so many things that they [1:22:04] wanted us to ignore the truth that we actually saw with our own eyes. Ms. Bondy, will you denounce [1:22:11] the statements that were made to tarnish the names of Alex, Petty, and Renee Good? And will [1:22:17] you protect their names like those attorneys back in Florida, [1:22:21] under your watch, protected my son's name? What I will say is we are looking at everything [1:22:30] to shed light on what happened that day, and it is an ongoing and active investigation. [1:22:36] Both of those cases, and I assure you, they will be investigated. Investigating, we understand that, [1:22:42] but will you do everything in your power, as you have done for my case, as you are asked to do, [1:22:49] as you've sworn an oath to do? It is your responsibility to make sure that you are [1:22:54] following the rules. Ms. Bondy, will you denounce the statements that were made to tarnish the names [1:22:55] of Alex, Petty, and Renee Good? And will you do everything in your power, as you have done for my case, as you are asked to do, [1:22:55] as you have sworn an oath to do? It is your responsibility to make sure that you are following the rules. [1:22:56] Those families in Minnesota, they deserve the same respect. They deserve a full investigation, [1:23:02] which you have not even begun to do yet. So what are you saying, is that they don't deserve any [1:23:08] respect for a full investigation into their murders? Well, that is incompetence on your [1:23:14] behalf. The American people do deserve better. Non-commitment to defending the rule of law [1:23:20] is what we see from you. I will always stand up for survivors, and I heard you say, [1:23:25] earlier, when you told us that you will fight for them as well. And based on the information [1:23:29] before us, these families have not received the same commitment to investigate what happened to [1:23:34] their loved ones, nor have they received the respect that I would expect from the nation's [1:23:38] top law enforcement officer. Investigations have been slow-walked, they've been canceled, [1:23:44] and the special agent assigned to Renee Good's investigation resigned, following pressure from [1:23:49] your officials to reclassify Ms. Good's case. The family is seeking answers and accountability. [1:23:55] The withdrawal of investigative resources is simply unacceptable. [1:23:59] The time of the gentlelady has expired. The gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from California is recognized. [1:24:04] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Attorney General, I get the sense that we've lost a little perspective here. [1:24:11] The most fundamental responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. [1:24:17] Now, you cited some crime figures in your opening statement, and I wonder if you could repeat them, [1:24:21] because I think it's one of the most extraordinary achievements of the Department of Justice, [1:24:26] in our history, and I don't think some of my colleagues heard you clearly. [1:24:30] Thank you, Congressman, and would you mind if I address something that Congresswoman McBath wouldn't let me address first? [1:24:38] Go right ahead. [1:24:39] The reason that she wants to continue to talk about Minnesota, which we will all day long, [1:24:44] is she doesn't want to talk about her own jurisdiction in Atlanta, because she doesn't want to talk about [1:24:51] Christopher Welcher, who traveled across state lines to try to meet—and nothing's funny about this. [1:24:56] —to meet and molest a 14-year-old girl in Georgia. [1:24:59] That's why they're watching the clock, the American people should know, for the second it runs out, [1:25:04] because they don't want to address anything in their jurisdiction. [1:25:08] They're elected to represent people in their jurisdiction. [1:25:12] We prosecuted illegal aliens who ran a large-scale meth operation in the Atlanta metro area. [1:25:19] You understand we don't prosecute, right, Ms. Bondi? [1:25:22] Madam Attorney General— [1:25:23] I'm the law— [1:25:24] I'm sorry, thank you. [1:25:25] —Mr. McClintock. [1:25:26] So, yes. [1:25:26] The statistics I spoke of earlier, Congressman, under the leadership of the FBI, historic work [1:25:34] has been done, a drop 20 percent in the nationwide murder rate in 2025, least murders in our country [1:25:45] since 1900. [1:25:47] And that is to the work because of the credit of Donald Trump. [1:25:49] But it's not just homicides, is it? [1:25:50] It's also other violent crimes, robbery. [1:25:53] Could you go through that list real quick? [1:25:55] Yes, Congressman. [1:25:56] One hundred [1:25:58] percent increase in violent crime arrest in 2025 compared to 2024. [1:26:04] What's that done to the violent crime rate in the country? [1:26:06] It's plummeting. [1:26:07] Eighteen hundred gangs— [1:26:09] Wait a second. [1:26:09] Wait a second. [1:26:10] Do you mean to honestly tell us, and you're under oath, [1:26:13] that if we take violent criminals off the streets, we end up with less crime? [1:26:19] I certainly hope so, Congressman. [1:26:20] And that's our goal, and that's President Trump's— [1:26:22] That's an extraordinary concept, and I'm afraid it may be lost on some of our Democratic colleagues. [1:26:27] I look at these numbers, and they're absolutely staggering. [1:26:31] It didn't happen by accident. [1:26:32] It happened because of specific policies that you've implemented this year. [1:26:37] And you mentioned a few of them. [1:26:38] Would you continue? [1:26:38] Over 6,000 child victims located, 22 percent increase. [1:26:46] Over 1,700 child predators arrested, 10 percent increase. [1:26:51] Over 300 human traffickers arrested. [1:26:54] Let me jump down to DEA right now. [1:26:56] That was just FBI. [1:26:58] Under Terry Cole's leadership—and I talk to these people almost daily, our directors, [1:27:05] and the amazing work that they're doing in all of your jurisdictions on the left and the right, [1:27:10] working together to take drugs off our streets. [1:27:14] Right. [1:27:14] And I assume that our Democratic colleagues, some of whom represent some of our most crime-plagued [1:27:19] cities and communities, have thanked you for this extraordinary accomplishment. [1:27:23] Thank you, Congressman. [1:27:25] We've seized more than 9,800 kilos of fentanyl and 4,000 [1:27:29] million fentanyl pills. [1:27:32] That affects every single person in this room. [1:27:36] It doesn't matter what political party you are. [1:27:40] Everyone in this room knows someone who's died from fentanyl—a parent, a child, a [1:27:45] sister, a brother, a friend, a neighbor, a relative. [1:27:48] Everyone here knows someone who has been impacted by that. [1:27:53] That is the common ground that I wish we could find to work together in this country to take [1:27:59] these drugs off the streets. [1:28:01] And someone nodded with vapes. [1:28:03] Well, in your opening statement, you said that this historic success in protecting [1:28:07] the lives and property of Americans has occurred when local governments have cooperated with you. [1:28:12] Yes. [1:28:13] Let me ask you, what are the greatest impediments you're facing in bringing [1:28:16] down crime across the country? [1:28:17] Well, when local governments, of course, do not cooperate with us. [1:28:22] And that's where criminals flee—in jurisdictions where they know they will be protected by local [1:28:28] governments. [1:28:30] And this is all about working together. [1:28:31] And we have shown that in what we did in D.C., what we're doing in Memphis, working together [1:28:37] with Democrat mayors in these cities right here in D.C. [1:28:42] And very quickly, if you could tell us about the Safe Cities program and give us your read [1:28:46] on what cities that avail themselves of this program can expect. [1:28:51] Yes. [1:28:51] So, so far, of course, we've been working in Washington, D.C., right here, to do everything [1:28:56] we can, working hand in hand with the mayor—with [1:29:00] Metro PD, to keep everyone safe in D.C. [1:29:03] And it's worked—it's been a tremendous effort. [1:29:05] And now we're in Memphis, working with the mayor in Memphis, as we talked about earlier, [1:29:10] doing everything we can. [1:29:11] These are iconic cities in our country. [1:29:14] And we want to help every city in this country who wants and asks for President Trump's help [1:29:21] to make America safe again. [1:29:22] Gentlemen— [1:29:24] Mr. Chair, I have—you see? [1:29:25] Let the record show that Democrat was applauding the attorney general's answer there. [1:29:29] Thank you. [1:29:30] Thank you. [1:29:30] Thank you. [1:29:30] Thank you. [1:29:31] Thank you. [1:29:31] Thank you. [1:29:32] Thank you. [1:29:33] The unanimous consent? [1:29:35] Yes, please. [1:29:35] All right. [1:29:36] The general is recognized. [1:29:36] Mr. Chair, I have a few unanimous—unanimous consent requests. [1:29:40] I would like to submit into the record this New York Times article titled, [1:29:43] Alex Prady's Friends and Family Denounce Sickening Lies About His Life. [1:29:47] I also would like to submit this Daily Mail exclusive interview with Vice President J.D. [1:29:52] Vance, titled, J.D. Vance Refuses to Apologize to Alex Prady's Family After Spreading Ice [1:29:57] Assassin Claim. [1:29:58] One more. [1:29:59] My last submission request is a New York Times article. [1:30:02] The article titled, FBI Agent Who Tried to Investigate Ice Officer in Shooting Resigns. [1:30:07] Without objection. [1:30:08] Thank you. [1:30:09] The chair now recognizes the gentlelady from North Carolina. [1:30:11] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:30:13] Attorney General Bondi, I think you and pretty much everybody else here and throughout the [1:30:18] country believes that convicted sex offenders don't deserve special treatment or privileges [1:30:25] in prison. [1:30:26] And yet, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirator, received perk after perk. [1:30:32] In prison. [1:30:34] In July, she had a two-day interview with your deputy and President Trump's former defense [1:30:40] attorney, Todd Blanch. [1:30:42] Just days after that, Maxwell was transferred from a federal correctional institution in [1:30:48] Florida to a minimum security camp in Texas, which she, as a sex offender, would normally [1:30:55] be ineligible for. [1:30:57] At this new facility, as the ranking member talked about, and by the way, it's [1:31:03] named Club Fed, we've heard reports that she's been afforded special privileges, [1:31:09] puppy time, private workouts, personal mail, secretarial services. [1:31:15] Attorney General Bondi, does a convicted sex offender like Ghislaine Maxwell [1:31:20] deserve special treatment and privileges in prison? [1:31:24] Yes or no? [1:31:24] Let me be crystal clear on this. [1:31:26] No. [1:31:27] Thank you. [1:31:28] Perfect. [1:31:28] No, let me keep going. [1:31:29] Perfect. [1:31:29] Well, I have a few more questions. [1:31:30] I did not know she was being transferred. [1:31:32] I asked you yes or no. [1:31:33] She was not transferred to a lower level. [1:31:35] Mr. Chairman, please stop the clock and remind the witness of the rules. [1:31:39] One rule she needs to understand here. [1:31:40] And I'm glad that we're agreeing. [1:31:41] So when we're agreeing, we can move on to some other things. [1:31:44] But I want you to know that every time she does get these perks, and it's been publicly [1:31:50] reported, that the folks she's abused, the survivors who are sitting here, they see themselves [1:31:59] as being denied justice. [1:32:01] They feel re-traumatized. [1:32:03] And I'm glad that we [1:32:05] agree on that. [1:32:06] But she should not be in that prison. [1:32:09] And she needs to be moved back to a maximum security prison as soon as possible. [1:32:16] But what she has told another committee here is that she won't cooperate with them unless [1:32:22] she gets clemency from Donald Trump. [1:32:26] It's just crazy to consider that she can be wielding this kind of influence within the [1:32:34] administration. [1:32:36] But that begs the question. [1:32:37] Who ordered her to be transferred to the minimum security prison that she was ineligible [1:32:44] for? [1:32:45] Who signed off on the special privileges? [1:32:49] Was it Mr. Blanche? [1:32:50] Was it one of your other subordinates? [1:32:52] So please, can you tell us who sent her there since you don't agree she should be there? [1:32:57] I said I do not agree she should receive special treatment. [1:33:04] She was transferred, I learned after the fact, to the same level facility. [1:33:08] And that is a question. [1:33:10] That is a question for the Bureau of Prisons. [1:33:11] I was not involved in that at all. [1:33:13] The same level facility. [1:33:15] I don't know why. [1:33:16] But you know, instead of talking about Ghirlane Maxwell, who hopefully will die in prison, [1:33:21] hopefully will die in prison, you should be talking about Irina Zarutskaya. [1:33:24] I have a couple of other questions. [1:33:26] Who died on a subway. [1:33:27] Right. [1:33:27] And I absolutely— [1:33:28] You don't talk about that. [1:33:29] I have been talking about it and actually helping with these issues. [1:33:33] But we're going to move back to you. [1:33:35] I bet we are. [1:33:36] Yes, of course, because you're here to testify. [1:33:38] That's what the whole point is. [1:33:39] Absolutely. [1:33:39] Absolutely. [1:33:39] Absolutely. [1:33:40] That's what the whole point of this endeavor is. [1:33:42] So, of course, we're moving back to you. [1:33:43] It is all about you. [1:33:46] So, as we've heard, she took the fifth in response to every single question in that [1:33:54] committee hearing. [1:33:56] And her lawyer dangled the offer of clemency. [1:34:00] Should Donald Trump pardon or commute her sentence? [1:34:06] Should she be released from prison? [1:34:07] Yes or no? [1:34:09] You said you hope she dies there, so I'm hoping the answer is no. [1:34:12] I already answered that question. [1:34:14] Good. [1:34:15] I'm very glad. [1:34:16] I really like this bipartisan agreement about what should happen with her. [1:34:20] Well, when it agrees with you. [1:34:21] Yes. [1:34:21] But you don't want to talk about Irina Zirutska. [1:34:24] You don't want to talk about murdered by a violent crime of anger in your jurisdiction. [1:34:28] I talk about her all the time, but I am not here to testify before Congress. [1:34:31] You are. [1:34:32] That is your job today. [1:34:33] You are obsessed with attack and so— [1:34:35] Time belongs to the lady. [1:34:36] I want you to know that your own DOJ employee, he's recently been demoted and had some other [1:34:43] problems, advises on pardons. [1:34:46] Do you think he will be advising Mr. Trump on any kind of clemency or pardon for Ghislaine [1:34:55] Maxwell? [1:34:58] I am not going to speculate, and you couldn't even identify properly—that's why you don't [1:35:03] want to talk about Irina Zirutska. [1:35:06] You couldn't properly identify her relative. [1:35:09] I absolutely— [1:35:10] It's embarrassing. [1:35:11] I absolutely have been—and her family, by the way, appreciates all of this. [1:35:13] I absolutely—I absolutely have been—and her family, by the way, appreciates all of [1:35:15] this. [1:35:16] She appreciates all of the condolences, all of the help, everything that our law enforcement [1:35:22] in North Carolina has been doing to help her family. [1:35:26] Her family feels well-treated. [1:35:28] Thank you, and I yield back. [1:35:29] The gentlelady yields back. [1:35:30] Gentleman from California is recognized. [1:35:31] I'd ask unanimous consent to enter into the record an article by former Attorney General [1:35:35] William P. Barr entitled, Why Pam Bondi Didn't Publish All the Epstein Files in 30 Days. [1:35:42] The answer is simple. [1:35:43] It was not possible, from The Wall Street Journal. [1:35:45] Well said. [1:35:46] Without objection, the gentlelady from Florida is recognized. [1:35:50] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:35:51] Madam— [1:35:53] Madam— [1:35:54] I'm sorry. [1:35:55] Yes. [1:35:56] May I respond 20 seconds to something that Congresswoman Ross said? [1:35:58] Go right ahead. [1:35:59] Thank you. [1:36:00] She also opposed a sex offender registry as head of North Carolina ACLU. [1:36:06] Thank you. [1:36:07] Thank you, Madam Attorney General. [1:36:08] And I'd like to pick up where you left off a moment ago, because we convene here today [1:36:13] as a committee for the stated purpose of conducting oversight. [1:36:16] Thank you. [1:36:17] Thank you very much. [1:36:18] Thank you, Madam Secretary. [1:36:19] That is important because you are the president who provided me with the capacity to handle [1:36:20] the issues of the Department of Justice. [1:36:22] And so, it's critical for us to focus first on the mission of the Department and assess [1:36:24] your success in discharging it. [1:36:26] So, the mission of the Department is to enforce federal law, defend the rule of law, and protect [1:36:32] the American people from violent crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and exploitation [1:36:38] to promote public safety. [1:36:41] And what we have heard today unequivocally is that President Trump's Department of Justice, [1:36:47] under your leadership attorney general bondi is doing exactly that just a moment ago you shared [1:36:54] with us some incredible statistics that the united states under your leadership has achieved [1:37:00] the lowest murder rate in 125 years that in the first year of this administration [1:37:08] murder is down 21 percent robbery is down 23 percent carjacking down 43 percent and gun [1:37:14] assault down 22 percent that is what public safety looks like under your leadership and that of [1:37:23] president trump you've located more than 6 000 child victims of trafficking and exploitation [1:37:28] arrested 1 700 child predators and apprehended more than 300 human traffickers significant [1:37:35] increases and those aren't just statistics those are precious lives that your department and the [1:37:41] men and women of federal law enforcement have saved madam attorney general you've mentioned [1:37:47] a couple of specific [1:37:48] criminal trends during this hearing that i'd like to discuss with you further because one of [1:37:52] our important roles in congress is making sure that our laws and our law enforcement stay ahead [1:37:59] of predators as technology evolves i lead legislation in the house along with bipartisan [1:38:05] co-sponsors on this committee to make sextortion a clearly defined criminal offense we actually [1:38:11] passed that out of the house of representatives we have a bill to promote operation renewed hope [1:38:17] to help rescue more children [1:38:18] child victims and the defiance act to provide legal recourse to victims of deep fake ai intimate [1:38:24] images i would love to hear your perspective and what you are seeing related to these technology [1:38:31] based criminal trends sextortion and ai deep fakes what are you seeing at the department [1:38:38] of justice and why do you believe that efforts to combat these types of crimes are important [1:38:48] sextortion and thank you for supporting that congresswoman i think that was a bipartisan effort [1:38:53] actually i think i think many of you on both sides of the aisle supported that thank you for [1:38:58] that you know um as a career prosecutor it's horrible seeing that and seeing that that young [1:39:05] women and often young boys have been exploited with sextortion and i see thank you both sides [1:39:12] of the aisle nodding on that it's it's it's horrific the suicide rates go up [1:39:19] and that's why we have to do everything in our power to protect not only young girls [1:39:25] adult women boys and men from sextortion because it is happening and we're doing everything in our [1:39:31] power thanks to your legislation all of you to stop that i'd like to hear a little bit more [1:39:38] about some of the department of justice programs like project safe childhood and the internet [1:39:42] crimes against children task forces partnerships that bring together federal state and local law [1:39:48] enforcement sometimes the work between those those those law enforcement groups together [1:39:54] really creates some incredibly [1:39:56] powerful income outcomes and some great success stories i know you as florida's attorney general [1:40:02] had a tremendous amount of leadership in our state trying to make sure we were taking care of [1:40:08] children also the elderly protecting them from fraud ending drug trafficking tell us a little bit [1:40:13] about some of those departments within doj yeah when you talked about project safe neighborhoods [1:40:19] we've done a lot of that in florida when i was state ag and actually back when i was a state [1:40:24] prosecutor prior to being attorney general when i was a state prosecutor prior to being attorney general [1:40:27] that is so important i feel like what we've been doing in dc too with the take back dc and [1:40:33] make dc safe again is similar to that going into the neighborhoods working with the community [1:40:39] seeing law enforcement officers out there playing basketball with kids who live in [1:40:44] the neighborhood it's pretty remarkable what we've seen firsthand citizens in memphis [1:40:50] saying that they appreciate they can walk outdoors now and they feel safe people coming [1:40:56] into the neighborhoods who live in the neighborhood know how [1:40:59] to behave how they dealing with saying i want the best is great add here [1:41:03] but that is nearly what we do we get out on the streets we have a number of [1:41:18] towns all across the state with though the border bridge there's a very olarak [1:41:21] rollo perspective on this piece about the importance of [1:41:23] making sure we take care of the health of families before it gets fantastic because [1:41:27] himes and a letter of response from her to them about who invited her to atlanta and a copy of [1:41:34] the search warrant uh and i'd also like to just make clear for the record the reason people in [1:41:38] memphis weren't going out was because the ice was on the was on the ground and we were afraid [1:41:43] we'd fall but other than that we go out all the time uh gentlemen uh without objection there's [1:41:50] enormous extent the gentle lady from vermont is recognized thank you mr chair attorney general [1:41:54] bondy according to your department a child is sexually abused in the united states every nine [1:41:59] minutes and the vast majority of survivors never get justice and that's one of the reasons why i [1:42:05] think the epstein case has resonated so deeply with so many americans and the other reason i [1:42:10] think is because it has revealed a two-tiered system of justice and the powerful are protected [1:42:16] and the survivors rarely get any accountability and the epstein files contain evidence of a [1:42:24] multi-decade international criminal conspiracy involving some of the wealthiest [1:42:29] and the most powerful [1:42:30] you [1:42:30] people in the world there's evidence of financial crimes political corruption sex trafficking and of [1:42:36] course horrible sexual abuse and i want to remind everybody this isn't a game these are real people [1:42:45] people who have suffered who are sitting here with us today and they deserve answers and they deserve [1:42:52] accountability and i'm here to try to get some for them now i've seen some of the unredacted [1:42:58] epstein files and obviously as you know president trump's name is all over them but so are the names [1:43:03] of other senior trump officials howard lutnik secretary of commerce john phelan the secretary [1:43:09] of the navy and stephen feinberg the deputy secretary of defense these men were appointed [1:43:15] by president trump to senior positions in his administration all of them have clear [1:43:21] and confirmed ties to jeffrey upstein attorney general bondi yes or no has the justice department [1:43:28] asked [1:43:29] secretary lutnik about his ties to epstein excuse me secretary lutnik has addressed those ties [1:43:39] himself i'm asking you has the justice department specifically asked secretary lutnik about his ties [1:43:46] to jeffrey epstein he has addressed those ties himself has the doj asked secretary phelan about [1:43:53] his ties to jeffrey epstein i don't know whether he has addressed those or not has the deputy um [1:44:00] has deputy secretary feinberg [1:44:02] talked the department of justice about his ties to jeffrey epstein yes or no has the department [1:44:11] of justice talked to secretary deputy secretary feinberg about his ties to jeffrey epstein which [1:44:16] are clearly spelled out in the files it's a very simple question it's not a trick question i'm just [1:44:21] asking you yeah i'm stunned that you want to continue talking about oh my gosh okay i'm [1:44:27] reclaiming my time i'm asking you not a trick question a simple question okay so what is clear is [1:44:35] we have evidence do you know who chris nayland is senior we have evidence that three senior [1:44:41] officials within the trump administration have ties to jeffrey epstein and what i can [1:44:46] find i can conclude from what you are saying that you have not talked to them what does ties mean i [1:44:53] think americans would be shocked to learn that you are not interested in talking with these officials [1:45:02] who have ties to jeffrey epstein across the world can you define that across the world [1:45:06] prominent men who've been exposed in the files have resigned their jobs in disgrace and that's [1:45:13] a good first start and that same standard not saying the word this same standard should apply [1:45:19] here and americans want accountability who is chris may was the president aware please stop [1:45:26] talking it is not your time to ask questions it is not your time i'm reclaiming my time mr chair [1:45:31] one second time belongs to the gentleman from vermont was the president aware of secretary [1:45:36] lutnick's ties to epstein when he chose him to lead the department of commerce was he aware [1:45:44] chris malin was a border patrol okay so i'm going to conclude that the president in fact [1:45:49] did know about his ties because he was the next door neighbor shame on you oh for goodness sakes [1:45:56] this is pathetic this is pathetic mr chair i am not asking trick questions here [1:46:02] you [1:46:03] american people have a right to know the answers to this these are senior officials in the trump [1:46:08] administration this is not a game secretary i'm attorney general my apologies i couldn't tell [1:46:16] by 2008 we knew that epstein was a convicted sexual abuser and we now know that lutnick [1:46:27] went to epstein's island in 2012 how was that not a deal breaker for the president and why [1:46:33] aren't you asking questions of the commerce secretary about what [1:46:38] he did to the president [1:46:38] why wouldn't he go and ask questions about what he saw when he was at the island which he lied about [1:46:42] not ever going to why are you not asking these questions and i see that my time is almost [1:46:48] expired so i will say this do the right thing attorney general meet with the survivors they [1:46:53] have been asking for a year meet with the survivors do the right thing i yield back [1:46:59] generally yields back the gentleman from south carolina is recognized for five minutes [1:47:03] may i have 20 seconds of his time that'll be up to the gentleman but absolutely thank you thank you [1:47:08] you um i i was curious if you congresswoman um asked bill clinton that um didn't hear didn't [1:47:17] see one tweet not one i didn't see one tweet when joe biden was in office about bill clinton [1:47:23] um didn't ask merrick garland anything about epstein not once when he was weak sauce and also [1:47:30] i want the record to reflect that you know with this anti-semitic culture right now she voted [1:47:36] against a resolution contempt condemning oh he's jewish i just want to be clear do you want to go [1:47:42] there attorney general do you want to go there are you lost to the gentleman talking about [1:47:48] anti-semitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the holocaust my time the committee will be in [1:47:55] order talk to jared wise about anti-semitism the ranking member knows that i'm gonna can i get like [1:48:02] 30 seconds back you know yeah i've been balanced i think the whole committee knows i've been [1:48:06] busy [1:48:06] thank you making sure everyone gets their five minutes in the center general i'm gonna talk [1:48:10] about sanctuary cities for a second which uh limit the federal government's ability to enforce [1:48:16] immigration law uh they're kind of a new thing that democrat jurisdictions are doing uh they're [1:48:22] in violation of federal law during president trump's first term he rightly targeted sanctuary [1:48:27] jurisdictions to try to force them to cooperate with federal immigration law federal immigration [1:48:33] law mind you that was voted on in 1996 most recently in a bipartisan congress [1:48:39] signed by a democrat president but they are in violation of that law these states and [1:48:44] jurisdictions uh feel entitled to certain grants of course y'all are combating that [1:48:50] do sanctuary policies limit the federal government's ability to accurately estimate [1:48:56] how many criminal illegals are in the country yes [1:49:00] thank you this means that the number of legals could be higher probably higher [1:49:05] does this hurt the federal government's ability to carry out immigration laws designed by congress yes [1:49:11] congressman uh in your opinion do you believe that the biden harris administration and democrat [1:49:18] pro-sanctuary policies make our community safer and uh for the american taxpayer do they make [1:49:25] do sanctuary policies make our communities safer no congressman i want to do a brief video to [1:49:32] highlight sanctuary cities so what's strange to me if you look at this board behind me in new york [1:50:03] there are 7 000 criminal legal aliens since january 20th of last year [1:50:08] they've been released into the public because new york is not honoring detainers requested by ice [1:50:16] california similarly has released 4 500 criminal legal aliens [1:50:20] there are 33 000 under detainer in california alone and of the of the people released i just [1:50:25] think i think it's remarkable that those released in new york 29 homicides 2 500 assaults almost 200 [1:50:32] burglaries these are people that are released into our community by these states that refuse [1:50:37] to cooperate [1:50:40] last august michael jordan castellano uh fonseca a criminal illegal alien with ties to trend and [1:50:48] trendy i shot two people in front of five children in the sanctuary state of colorado [1:50:53] dhs lodged a detainer on him he's awaiting trial but the question is whether colorado sanctuary [1:50:59] policies will prevent him from being removed from the country yes or no do you think that [1:51:05] sanctuary jurisdictions if they cooperated with ice those illegals in custody could be transferred [1:51:11] to ice properly instead of being held in taxpayer-funded jails and then released into our [1:51:16] community yes congressman wouldn't it be more efficient and safer then if democrats simply [1:51:22] cooperated with the federal government these sanctuary jurisdictions cooperated with the [1:51:26] federal government and honored ice detainers and why why do you think of course because so many [1:51:33] criminals are running to sanctuary jurisdictions many of your colleagues across the aisle who [1:51:39] we've seen speaking today about epstein don't want to talk about the illegal [1:51:43] alienation but i think it's important for us to understand that there are criminals in their own [1:51:49] jurisdiction for that reason and yes we need to do everything we can to work together to make america [1:51:54] safer and they're not doing that this is not a partisan people want to feel safe in their [1:52:00] communities nobody wants a criminal legal alien released into the street i think that the thing [1:52:04] that maybe the american people don't quite understand is that when you do not honor a [1:52:08] detainer as we've seen an illegal is released into the public and now it's up to ice to maybe apprehend [1:52:14] freedom of speech or [1:52:42] things [1:52:45] what we've been fighting to do and i wish we could do it on a bipartisan basis but they just can't do [1:52:50] it and the decrease in numbers speak for themselves thank you for your work gentleman's time this [1:52:54] term we have some ucs if that's okay that is okay okay mr cohen thank you you see on the national [1:53:02] institute of justice's study on undocumented immigrants having an offender rate lower than [1:53:06] u.s born citizens i'd like to enter this in the record from 2024 without objection and i have [1:53:12] several myself mr chairman um the guardian um january 26 2026 why is trump granting clemency [1:53:19] to convicted fraudsters objection january 20 20 26 nbc trump's pardons forgive financial crimes [1:53:25] that came with hundreds of millions of dollars in punishment uh washington post december 19 [1:53:30] 2025 trump's pardons wipe out payments to defrauded victims and um finally may 30th [1:53:38] 2024 trump found guilty by manhattan jury on 34 felony counts [1:53:42] of fraud that objection the gentleman from illinois is recognized thank you uh chairman [1:53:47] attorney general bonding glad you finally made it here after hiding for four months from this [1:53:51] committee i understand why you're hiding from us you're one of the worst attorney generals [1:53:58] in our history and an instrument of donald trump's lawless authoritarian agenda and i'm [1:54:04] glad the american people are seeing who you are how you act and the lack of good values [1:54:10] you weaponize the department of justice to target immigrants [1:54:12] immigrants, working families, and anyone that Trump deems an enemy of the state. [1:54:20] All to protect real powerful criminals, including in your administration. [1:54:25] My Democratic colleagues have focused on your cover-up of the Epstein files and your passion [1:54:31] for protecting pedophiles and child traffickers. [1:54:35] That alone is grounds for impeachment. [1:54:38] But there's so much more to your corrupt tenure as Attorney General. [1:54:43] You directed prosecutors to investigate elected officials in welcoming jurisdictions, and [1:54:48] you got thrown out of court when you sued Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois. [1:54:54] You directed prosecutors to prioritize low-level immigration cases while gutting enforcement [1:55:00] against corporate criminals and public corruption. [1:55:04] You revived draconian law of 1798. [1:55:07] You're talking about public corruption? [1:55:08] Whoa. [1:55:09] Which should be repealed to illegally send people to a torture prison in El Salvador. [1:55:16] You fired over 100 immigration judges, including the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge in Chicago, [1:55:23] without cause, and installed unqualified military judges whom you instructed to deny asylum [1:55:31] in violation of the law. [1:55:32] You prosecute the president's enemies, like Jim Comey and Tish James, while giving [1:55:38] impunity to federal agents who are murdering and brutalizing and terrorizing constituents, [1:55:44] including in Chicagoland, in my neighborhood. [1:55:47] I saw it last year firsthand. [1:55:50] You and Kash Patel covered up the murder of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez in my district [1:55:56] by ICE agents. [1:55:58] You tried to investigate Renee Goode instead of the ICE agent who murdered her. [1:56:04] And you tried to cover up the murder of Alex Peretti. [1:56:07] You tried to cover up the murder of Alex Peretti. [1:56:08] You tried to cover up the murder of Alex Peretti. [1:56:09] You should be responsible for a lot of these crimes. [1:56:11] You bring fake charges against protesters like the Broadview Six and Marimar Martinez, [1:56:18] who your administration labeled a domestic terrorist. [1:56:23] This is the Montessori teacher who lived in my district, while protecting thugs who terrorize [1:56:28] us and DHS authority. [1:56:30] That's what you do. [1:56:33] Protect and enable the criminals who are plundering our society and destroying what's [1:56:39] left of democracy and the rule of law. [1:56:43] Epstein accomplices, mass DHS thugs, corporate criminals, Tom Holman, Eric Adams, insurrectionists, [1:56:50] the list goes on. [1:56:52] And you talk about fighting crime, but you protect any criminal who helps you and Trump [1:56:58] turn our country into an authoritarian gangster state. [1:57:05] And after all this, nobody supports you. [1:57:07] I'm talking about, I'm not talking about Democrats. [1:57:10] I'm talking about conservative judges who are condemning the rampant lawlessness at [1:57:16] DOJ under your leadership. [1:57:18] Your prosecutors are quitting in droves over being forced to prosecute low-level immigration [1:57:25] cases, including in Chicagoland. [1:57:27] Your MAGA base despises you because you're covering up the Epstein file. [1:57:32] How ironic. [1:57:34] And even your own boss has repeatedly complained to your staff about you, calling you weak [1:57:40] and ineffective, weak and ineffective. [1:57:44] That's what Donald Trump thinks of you already. [1:57:47] You will not win, however. [1:57:49] Chicagoland rejects you. [1:57:51] The American people reject you. [1:57:53] Our communities have demonstrated our strength and resilience in the face of cruelty and [1:58:00] cowardice. [1:58:02] Democrats must impeach and remove lawless officials like you and Kristi Noem and impose [1:58:07] accountability for every criminal action. [1:58:11] But you can spare yourself more humiliation. [1:58:14] Resign now and submit yourself to accountability by the American people. [1:58:20] Mr. Chairman, before I yield back, I ask unanimous consent to submit for the record [1:58:26] this Wall Street Journal article, dated January 12, 2026, entitled, Trump Has Complained About [1:58:35] Pam Bondi Repeatedly to AIDS. [1:58:39] Thank you. [1:58:40] And I yield back. [1:58:41] Objection. [1:58:42] The gentleman from Texas is recognized. [1:58:43] Thank you, Chairman. [1:58:44] May I have 20 seconds, please? [1:58:46] Yes, ma'am. [1:58:47] Thank you. [1:58:48] Let's hear the opposition research. [1:58:49] Thank you. [1:58:50] That's absolutely right, that they're not running for—he's not running for office [1:58:56] again because—well, I don't know why you're not running for office again. [1:59:01] But after the filing deadline, after the filing deadline, you publicly announced you would [1:59:08] not run when your chief of staff, Patty Garcia, announced and took your office. [1:59:12] Right. [1:59:13] I believe Democrats are not angry about that as well. [1:59:14] That's a state matter. [1:59:15] That isn't a federal matter. [1:59:16] You should investigate crimes. [1:59:17] I believe Democrats are not angry about that as well. [1:59:18] I believe Democrats are not angry about that as well. [1:59:19] You should investigate violations of the law. [1:59:20] The time belongs to the gentleman from Texas. [1:59:21] The time belongs to the gentleman from Texas. [1:59:22] A little flexibility on the time. [1:59:23] I appreciate it, Chairman. [1:59:24] Madam Attorney General, am I correct that under your leadership, the Department of [1:59:29] Justice has prosecuted cases of non-citizen voting? [1:59:30] So it's false, as some of my Democratic colleagues have claimed, that it doesn't happen? [1:59:31] Yes. [1:59:32] I ask that today because we're voting on the Save America Act today to enact common-sense [1:59:33] policies to ensure all Americans are safe. [1:59:34] Yes. [1:59:35] Thank you. [1:59:36] Thank you. [1:59:37] Thank you. [1:59:38] Yes. [1:59:39] I ask that today because we're voting on the Save America Act today to enact common-sense [1:59:42] policies to ensure only American citizens vote in American elections and enact federal [1:59:48] voter ID laws. [1:59:49] But it's true, for example, that in just this month, a federal grand jury in Newark indicted [1:59:53] two men with illegally voting in federal election and making false statements. [1:59:57] Mohammad Mazzamal and Mohammad Shaquille were non-citizens at the time they registered to [2:00:02] vote. [2:00:03] This happens. [2:00:04] It happens regularly. [2:00:05] And you're prosecuting those crimes, correct? [2:00:06] Yes. [2:00:07] But does that prosecution of those criminals overturn those crimes? [2:00:08] Yes. [2:00:09] Does that prosecution of those criminals overturn their previously cast votes? [2:00:12] That's all pending. [2:00:13] But it does not overturn votes that they've cast, right? [2:00:15] So passing the Save America Act would help deal with that problem? [2:00:19] Yes, Congressman. [2:00:20] Second question. [2:00:21] As Attorney General, you're in charge of the Executive Office of Immigration Review, correct? [2:00:24] Yes, Congressman. [2:00:25] The Biden-Miorcus regime caused the immigration court case backlog to explode, correct? [2:00:29] Explode. [2:00:30] Does that sound about right, that in September of 2020, four months before President Biden [2:00:34] took office, there was a backlog of 1.5 million cases, but by the time President Biden left [2:00:38] office, the backlog reached 1.5 million cases? [2:00:39] It sounds about right, but I don't have the exact numbers. [2:00:45] It would be accurate to say that most individuals who file for asylum have a meritless or fraudulent [2:00:50] claim? [2:00:52] Most. [2:00:53] I don't have the numbers. [2:00:54] So does it sound correct that of the asylum cases adjudicated in FY 2023 under the Biden [2:00:58] regime that only 14% resulted in an asylum grant and only 12% in fiscal year 2024? [2:01:03] Does that sound correct? [2:01:04] It sounds correct. [2:01:05] I'm sorry, I don't have the numbers. [2:01:07] Could you get that information to us to verify that data? [2:01:09] Yes, absolutely. [2:01:10] Under the Trump administration, immigration judges complete an average of 65,000 cases [2:01:16] per month, the highest average completion rate in at least a decade. [2:01:19] Does that sound correct? [2:01:20] That sounds correct. [2:01:21] Ms. Bondi, how many new cases under EOIR received in fiscal year 2025 have you all had? [2:01:26] And of those, what percentage have been granted asylum? [2:01:29] Do you know? [2:01:31] I can try to get you those numbers. [2:01:32] I thought I had those. [2:01:33] That'd be great. [2:01:34] Because my question is whether President Trump's decision to pause asylum in the wake of the [2:01:38] shooting of a National Guardsman by an Afghani here in Washington, D.C. and the nation's [2:01:41] capital helped to stop the backlog in your office. [2:01:44] Does that sound correct? [2:01:45] Yes, Congressman. [2:01:46] My point being that the leadership of this administration is ending the backlog, reducing [2:01:50] the backlog, making sure that we don't have fraudulent asylum claims clogging it and keeping [2:01:54] Americans safe. [2:01:55] Is that correct? [2:01:56] Yes, Congressman. [2:01:57] So, a couple other quick questions on another important topic that has been raised by colleagues [2:02:02] on both sides of the aisle with respect to the Epstein case. [2:02:05] A few questions. [2:02:06] One. [2:02:07] Jeffrey Epstein was charged in July 2019 for sex trafficking under the Trump administration. [2:02:08] Is that correct? [2:02:09] Yes, Congressman. [2:02:10] Okay. [2:02:11] He was charged in July 2019 for sex trafficking under the Trump administration in his first [2:02:12] term. [2:02:13] Is that correct? [2:02:14] Yes, Congressman. [2:02:15] And that Jelaine Maxwell was charged in 2020, also under the Trump administration. [2:02:19] Correct? [2:02:20] Yes, Congressman. [2:02:21] So, it is safe to say that the administration led on that issue and that there was silence [2:02:26] in the previous administration. [2:02:27] Is that correct? [2:02:28] Yes, Congressman. [2:02:29] Almost complete silence from everyone who's been trying to still talk about Epstein. [2:02:33] They didn't say a word under the Biden administration. [2:02:35] Nothing. [2:02:36] And I want to make one other point and then another question that is important. [2:02:41] I want to make one observation, and that is that we've heard the information today, [2:02:46] which is troubling, that Jane Doe's, the victim's information was made public and was unredacted [2:02:52] in the files that were released on Friday. [2:02:54] So my question is, some of us had argued when we were dealing with the discharge petition [2:02:58] in Congress, that when Congress inserted itself into the process, that we needed to be very [2:03:03] careful to ensure that we were protecting victims. [2:03:06] So a question that is both, I just want to make that clear that some of us were fighting [2:03:10] for that here. [2:03:11] Some of us amended or change it. [2:03:13] So that was concerning. [2:03:15] But a question a little more pointed, I have to say, is why though, were the victim's names [2:03:20] released that shouldn't have been, that there were names in the files that these Jane Doe's, [2:03:26] that their names shouldn't have been made public when there were some accusers whose [2:03:30] names were redacted? [2:03:31] That's question one. [2:03:32] And question two was that Jelaine Maxwell was put in jail for trafficking minors, rightly [2:03:38] so. [2:03:39] And you properly said here at this table, you hope she dies in jail. [2:03:41] Well, I agree. [2:03:42] Well, I want to know, will anyone besides her or Epstein, which I congratulate President [2:03:47] Trump's previous administration and this Department of Justice for continuing all of that, but [2:03:51] that they were indicted, but will anyone else be indicted and prosecuted under this, given [2:03:57] the information that's in front of us? [2:03:58] So two questions. [2:03:59] Thank you for letting me answer that. [2:04:01] They didn't want to hear my answer on the other side. [2:04:03] Yes, given the tight timeframe of 30 days, I believe we got everything released within [2:04:09] a little over 60 days. [2:04:10] I'm talking as fast as I can. [2:04:12] My time is up. [2:04:12] We did the best we could immediately. [2:04:15] If everyone's been coming to view the documents, if someone's name should not have been redacted, [2:04:21] we're releasing it. [2:04:22] If someone's name was redacted, we said right away, was not redacted and should have been [2:04:28] meaning a victim. [2:04:29] We went back and redacted it. [2:04:31] We're doing everything we can based on the tight timeframe and over 3 million pages that [2:04:37] we released that Donald Trump signed for pure transparency. [2:04:41] Second, what was your first question? [2:04:43] What was your second question? [2:04:44] About whether another individual will be indicted and prosecuted. [2:04:47] Oh, absolutely. [2:04:48] Thank you for asking that. [2:04:49] And they never wanted to hear the answer to that. [2:04:51] We have pending investigations in our office. [2:04:54] Time, the gentleman has expired. [2:04:59] Unanimous consent request from the gentleman from Pennsylvania. [2:05:02] Thank you. [2:05:03] I have several UCs and receipts. [2:05:07] I'd like to have unanimous consent to introduce the National Security Presidential Memorandum [2:05:12] 7, dated September 25th, 25. [2:05:14] Objection. [2:05:15] The Bondi Department of Justice memo, dated December 4th, 2025. [2:05:20] Objection. [2:05:21] An article from Newsweek entitled, DOJ deletes study alleging rise in far-right [2:05:27] terrorism, dated September 18th, 2025. [2:05:30] Without objection. [2:05:32] Notice article from October 3rd, 2025, Trump's directive on organized political violence [2:05:37] could lead to increased surveillance of his critics. [2:05:40] Without objection. [2:05:41] Washington Post article, September 25th, 2025. [2:05:44] Trump targets domestic terrorists, but only mentions the radical left. [2:05:48] Without objection. [2:05:49] Idaho Capitol Sun, October 18th, 2025. [2:05:53] Rest easy, Idahoans, the No King demonstrators are American patriots. [2:05:57] Without objection. [2:05:59] Attacks on freedom of speech, what nonprofits need to know, published by the National Council [2:06:04] of Nonprofits, the largest network of nonprofits in America. [2:06:06] Without objection. [2:06:08] The Freedom from Religious Foundation warns that Bondi memo weaponizes federal law enforcement [2:06:13] against non-Christians. [2:06:14] And dissenting viewpoints. [2:06:15] Without objection. [2:06:16] A Ken Klipperstein blog from January 28th, 26, ISIS secret watch lists of Americans. [2:06:17] Without objection. [2:06:18] And an Intercept article from February 2nd, 26, Trump calls his enemies terrorists. [2:06:19] Does that mean he can kill them? [2:06:20] Without objection. [2:06:21] Thank you. [2:06:22] The gentleman from Florida is recognized. [2:06:23] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [2:06:24] Good morning, Attorney General Bondi. [2:06:25] Good afternoon. [2:06:26] Oh, you're right. [2:06:27] It's good afternoon. [2:06:28] It's been a long day. [2:06:29] I wrote this this morning. [2:06:30] Thank you. [2:06:31] Thank you. [2:06:32] Thank you. [2:06:33] Thank you. [2:06:34] Thank you. [2:06:35] Thank you. [2:06:37] Thank you. [2:06:38] Thank you. [2:06:39] Thank you. [2:06:40] Thank you. [2:06:41] Thank you. [2:06:42] Thank you. [2:06:43] Thank you. [2:06:44] Thank you. [2:06:45] Thank you. [2:06:46] Thank you. [2:06:47] Thank you. [2:06:48] Thank you. [2:06:49] We've known each other a long time. [2:06:50] And I'll always be appreciative for your assistance when you were Attorney General in Florida [2:06:53] after the shooting at my high school at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in my hometown of Parkland [2:06:57] when we passed a bipartisan bill, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act, which [2:07:01] was the largest policy response to a school shooting in American history. [2:07:07] Your department also prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law a constituent of mine and [2:07:11] former felon that had plans to kill me when he was picked up by law enforcement. [2:07:16] after he was target practicing in his backyard with two rifles a scope a silencer three [2:07:20] three thousand rounds of ammunition and anti-semitic manifesto my name was the only [2:07:25] name on their target list and my kids found out about this from their friends at school [2:07:29] so thank you however the most transparent administration in american history before [2:07:37] trump we didn't know the word transparency apparently it's been 12 months since you [2:07:42] gave republican influencers part one of the epstein files you said the list was on your desk [2:07:46] then a memo came out and said that there was no list phase two of the binders never happened [2:07:50] the president united states says the epstein thing is a hoax he blasts his own base for wanting the [2:07:55] release of the files he blamed barack obama republicans voted against the release of the [2:07:59] files in the rules committee then they refused to even return to the rules committee until they [2:08:04] could be protected from future votes on the release speaker johnson sends congress home a [2:08:09] day early before break they sent the deputy attorney general to meet with maxwell she [2:08:14] says something favorable about the president [2:08:16] maria [2:08:16] miraculously she gets transferred to a minimum security facility no one can explain why [2:08:21] miraculously the leaks to the wall street journal stop we come back from break we have the massey [2:08:27] discharge petition republicans drop a rule a non-binding resolution trying to kill the [2:08:32] massey discharge petition the white house says passing the massey discharge petition is a hostile [2:08:37] act trying to stop the necessary 218 signatures according to republican members that signed it [2:08:42] the white house brought them into the situation room you know the place where the president [2:08:46] goes for time of war promising things like appropriations or maybe even to primary them [2:08:51] people in the room say you were there it didn't work we get the 218 signatures we eventually passed [2:08:56] the massey petition you guys didn't release the files you were forced by the by congress every [2:09:03] member of the house except one and the entire senate the reason the president signed it is [2:09:08] because it was a veto-proof we can't agree on anything and yet the entire house but one member [2:09:15] and the whole senate for cri poco it's looked like hell as they've been buying the bills at the malappar with the [2:09:16] forced the administration to release the files. [2:09:19] Kash Patel, under oath, said to Senator Kennedy, [2:09:21] the FBI is not in possession of any credible evidence [2:09:24] that Epstein trafficked girls to anyone but himself. [2:09:28] We know now that's not true. [2:09:29] According to documents, Epstein had a worldwide sex trafficking ring. [2:09:33] Girls from Poland, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Paris, [2:09:35] modeling agencies sending him girls. [2:09:37] He even had a relationship with a summer camp [2:09:40] where he groomed girls at a picnic table. [2:09:42] Ghislaine Maxwell says 29 Epstein associates cut secret DOJ deals. [2:09:46] Turns out there is a list. [2:09:47] Six names readily available if you unredact them. [2:09:50] Co-conspirators named, but we got them when you unredact them. [2:09:54] Maxwell recently tells a House Oversight Committee [2:09:56] that she wants clemency to release more names. [2:09:59] Kash Patel, under oath, said Trump's name appears less than 100 times in the files. [2:10:03] We now know that's not true. [2:10:04] Trump's name appears more times in the Epstein files [2:10:07] than God's name appears in the book about God. [2:10:10] Okay, by the way, this is the Trump Bible. Move over, King James. [2:10:13] Trump's name also appears more times [2:10:16] in the Epstein files than God's name appears in the book about God. Okay, by the way, this is the Trump Bible. Move over, King James. [2:10:16] Trump's name also appears more times in the Epstein files than God's name appears in the book about God. [2:10:17] Okay, by the way, this is the Trump Bible. Move over, King James. [2:10:17] Then Harry Potter's name appears in the seven books about Harry Potter. [2:10:21] Lutnick says that in 2008 he went to Epstein's home, [2:10:24] says he had a massage table in the living room. [2:10:26] But Epstein said he got one every day, [2:10:28] that it was the right type of massage. [2:10:30] He and his wife decide to leave [2:10:31] and say they'll never be in a room with him again. [2:10:33] Howard then says, I'm sure the Epstein stuff is all on video. [2:10:36] He was the greatest blackmailer of all time. [2:10:39] Well, how would Howard know that? [2:10:42] But now the files are public, and in 2012, [2:10:44] we find out that he and his family are on Epstein Island. [2:10:46] After? [2:10:47] After? [2:10:47] After? [2:10:48] After Epstein pled guilty to state charges. [2:10:52] I'm from Florida. [2:10:53] I take my family to Disney World, not to Epstein Island. [2:10:56] There are documents in the files that dispute the president's claim [2:10:59] that he kicked Epstein out of his club. [2:11:01] Allegedly, the president said that he asked Epstein to leave. [2:11:04] Supported now, that's disputed, though, [2:11:06] statements from the manager of the club. [2:11:10] Now, Madam Attorney General, I have like 25 seconds left. [2:11:12] So because I'm curious, and I'd like to see you, [2:11:16] flip to the Jared Moskowitz [2:11:18] section of the binder. [2:11:20] I'm interested to see what staff provided on the oppo on me. [2:11:23] And because we're in the Olympics, [2:11:25] I'm going to give it a grade. [2:11:26] I just want to see how good it is. [2:11:28] So give me your best one. [2:11:30] So first of all, nothing is funny about mocking the Bible [2:11:34] and holding up a Trump Bible. [2:11:36] That's what you did. [2:11:36] You made a joke, and I find offense to that. [2:11:39] That's all I have to say to you. [2:11:40] I want it from the burn book. [2:11:41] Shame. [2:11:41] I want it from the burn book, which is the best one. [2:11:43] What you got? [2:11:44] Has expired. [2:11:45] The gentleman from Wisconsin's recognition. [2:11:48] Thank you. [2:11:49] First of all, I'd like to thank you. [2:11:49] I'd like to clear something up that was said earlier [2:11:52] and is frequently said and is manifestly not true. [2:11:56] And that is the supposed small number of crimes committed [2:12:00] by immigrants or illegal immigrants in the country. [2:12:03] That has been based on a poorly done study by the Cato Institute. [2:12:11] And I believe the Cato Institute itself has even updated [2:12:14] that study. [2:12:16] The reason that we know that study is not true [2:12:20] is that those statistics are not out there. [2:12:24] For whatever reason, when somebody is arrested, [2:12:27] even for very serious crimes, we do not have [2:12:30] on the paperwork whether that person is a legal [2:12:33] or illegal immigrant, okay? [2:12:36] If I go to one of my local sheriffs in Wisconsin [2:12:40] and ask them how many illegal immigrants in your jail, [2:12:43] they will say, I have no idea. [2:12:45] We don't keep track of that. [2:12:47] When I tour the federal prison, right outside of my home, [2:12:51] my district, and I ask them, in this federal prison, [2:12:54] how many of your inmates are illegal aliens, [2:12:57] they will tell me, we have no idea. [2:13:00] We don't keep track of that. [2:13:02] So whenever you hear a Democrat or anybody, or a pundit, [2:13:07] say that, oh, there's so few illegals committing crimes, [2:13:11] it is based on nothing, because those statistics [2:13:15] are not available anywhere. [2:13:17] What I would offer in the next round of appropriation bills, [2:13:20] if one of my Democrats were to say, [2:13:21] if one of my Democrat colleagues wants to help me out, [2:13:23] perhaps in appropriations we can get funds [2:13:26] to add to all the paperwork whenever anybody [2:13:31] is convicted of crime, as to whether or not [2:13:33] they are citizen or non-citizen. [2:13:36] And then we will have the statistics. [2:13:38] But otherwise, whenever you hear somebody say on MSNBC [2:13:43] or wherever, oh, so few crimes are committed [2:13:47] by illegal immigrants, they don't know [2:13:49] what they're talking about, [2:13:50] because nobody has those numbers. [2:13:52] Okay, there's the first thing. [2:13:54] Now, the next thing I want to point out, [2:13:58] we have had what I think is an unprecedented situation [2:14:05] in Minnesota, in which they are not assisting ICE [2:14:11] in dealing with crimes that are going on up there. [2:14:15] In other words, ICE is left to its own devices. [2:14:19] When I talk to my local sheriffs, [2:14:21] they tell me that whenever a federal agency [2:14:24] . . . [2:14:25] is engaged in work in Wisconsin, [2:14:28] they always make themselves available [2:14:31] in case that federal agency needs assistance. [2:14:35] This could be something like ICE under DEI. [2:14:41] It could be drug enforcement. [2:14:44] It could be ATF. [2:14:46] It could be FBI. [2:14:47] It could be Secret Service. [2:14:49] It could be the U.S. Marshal. [2:14:51] Nobody that I have been able to find, [2:14:53] any sheriff in the state of Wisconsin is aware [2:14:56] of any circumstances in which they did not make themselves [2:15:00] available to federal law enforcement, [2:15:03] either if they need somebody extra to do surveillance, [2:15:07] to just park a marked car outside the area, [2:15:11] to assist in apprehension of a criminal, [2:15:14] if they need assistance with an additional SWAT team, [2:15:19] if they need to transport somebody. [2:15:21] Local law enforcement is always there. [2:15:24] Now, you are not in charge of ICE, [2:15:26] but you're in charge . . . [2:15:26] You're in charge of several other agencies. [2:15:28] Have you ever heard of anything like what's going on [2:15:31] in Minnesota where the governor or the local mayor [2:15:37] refuses to give assistance to federal law enforcement? [2:15:43] I have in Portland and some other cities [2:15:45] where they weren't cooperating. [2:15:47] But as I said, I spent about four days . . . [2:15:49] I did spend four days in Minnesota, [2:15:52] and I believe many of the local law enforcement [2:15:56] wish they could work with us, [2:15:57] to make their city safe. [2:16:00] Okay. [2:16:01] Now, we'll switch to something else. [2:16:03] First of all, I'd like to thank you for doing this today. [2:16:06] You're obviously very bright, obviously very confident, [2:16:08] and something I love. [2:16:09] You tolerate fools gladly. [2:16:13] I appreciate that trait. [2:16:16] You suffer fools gladly. [2:16:19] In hearings like this, we often focus on new initiatives [2:16:22] undertaken by the department. [2:16:24] Today, I'd like to give you an opportunity [2:16:25] to discuss actions implemented under the Biden administration's [2:16:29] Department of Justice, such as the Foreign Influence Task Force [2:16:33] that you have since terminated. [2:16:35] And, you know, it's rare to see anything [2:16:38] on the government terminated. [2:16:39] But could you elaborate on those decisions [2:16:41] and highlight the accomplishments [2:16:44] of your tenure at Justice? [2:16:48] Thank you for asking that. [2:16:50] We are out of time, but may I answer, Chairman? [2:16:53] Go right ahead. [2:16:54] Thank you. [2:16:56] The Biden administration weaponized [2:16:58] the Foreign Corruption Practices Act, and on February 10th, [2:17:02] President Trump issued an executive order [2:17:04] pausing that for a DOJ review. [2:17:08] Under Deputy Attorney General Blanch's supervision, [2:17:12] a comprehensive review was led, and the department [2:17:17] issued new guidelines protecting all Americans [2:17:21] and protecting against the weaponization that happened [2:17:24] under the Biden administration. [2:17:27] The gentleman has expired. [2:17:28] Gentleman yields back. [2:17:28] Gentleman from New York is recognized. [2:17:30] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [2:17:31] Ms. Bondi, I went over to the department [2:17:33] yesterday for a couple of hours to review some [2:17:35] of the unredacted materials. [2:17:38] And I am looking forward to your detailed explanation [2:17:41] for why you have withheld almost half of the documents, [2:17:45] which is required by the bill. [2:17:48] Now, obviously, there are three million documents, [2:17:50] so I didn't get through much. [2:17:52] But one thing I didn't see was the client list [2:17:55] that you said you had on your desk a year ago. [2:17:59] I did, however, find a couple of important documents, an 86-page [2:18:04] prosecution memo from the Southern District of New York [2:18:07] and a draft indictment from Florida [2:18:10] against Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirators. [2:18:13] For reasons that I cannot understand, [2:18:15] nor are permitted by the bill, they were still redacted, [2:18:20] even for members of Congress. [2:18:23] So, Ms. Bondi, will you commit right here [2:18:25] to immediately providing those two documents in unredacted form [2:18:31] to members of Congress? [2:18:36] Not a complicated question. [2:18:38] Ms. Bondi. [2:18:38] Well, I guess it is for you, [2:18:40] because you have a law degree, and those are privileged. [2:18:44] Okay. [2:18:44] They're not privileged, but we will discuss that later. [2:18:49] I also found an email that I have right here [2:18:52] from Jeffrey Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell [2:18:55] that was unredacted, and it included notes of statements [2:18:59] that Donald Trump made about his prior relationship [2:19:02] with Jeffrey Epstein. [2:19:04] Now, there is no reason for this to be hidden [2:19:06] from the American people. [2:19:08] There is no privilege. [2:19:10] There is no attorney. [2:19:11] There is no attorney-client privilege. [2:19:12] And I see you're checking with your staff, [2:19:14] and I can assure you, staff, this is not [2:19:17] under attorney-client privilege, [2:19:18] because it was sent from Jeffrey Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell. [2:19:22] Will you commit to publicly providing [2:19:25] the unredacted version of this so that the American people [2:19:29] can understand the extent of Donald Trump's lies [2:19:33] about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein? [2:19:36] You're about as good of a lawyer today [2:19:38] as you were when you tried to impeach President Trump in 2016. [2:19:41] Have you apologized for that in 2019? [2:19:44] Apologize for that? [2:19:45] Will you unredact this? [2:19:46] Will you unredact this? [2:19:47] You were lead counsel on that privilege. [2:19:48] I'm asking you, will you unredact this? [2:19:50] Privileged. [2:19:51] Privileged, of course. [2:19:53] I look forward to discussing this more. [2:19:56] Now, these are obviously improper redactions. [2:19:59] And let me stop for a minute. [2:20:01] I'm talking. [2:20:02] I'm talking. [2:20:02] If they're not privileged, don't yell at me. [2:20:04] If they're not privileged, even though you used- [2:20:05] Mr. Chairman, will you stop the clock? [2:20:06] This is on your time. [2:20:07] It's not on Mr. Gohmert. [2:20:08] If they're not privileged, if we review them- [2:20:09] Even though you used your improper redactions- [2:20:11] You'll like my answer. [2:20:12] If we review them and they're not privileged, [2:20:14] you will be happy to release them after review. [2:20:18] We'll stop the clock. [2:20:19] We'll stop the clock. [2:20:20] Time belongs to the member, go ahead. [2:20:22] Even though you used improper redactions [2:20:24] to protect Donald Trump and other predators [2:20:27] associated with Jeffrey Epstein, [2:20:29] you did the exact opposite thing [2:20:32] with the survivors and victims of this scheme. [2:20:35] So their identification information [2:20:37] was really the only thing required to be redacted, [2:20:40] and it was not. [2:20:42] And it's clear, this was not [2:20:43] a mistake, this was not by accident. [2:20:46] This was not because you only had 30 days [2:20:48] when you really used 75, and that doesn't even include [2:20:51] all the hours last March that you were redacting it. [2:20:55] But I'll tell you why it's clear it wasn't a mistake. [2:20:59] There is an email entitled Epstein Victim List. [2:21:04] There are 32 names. [2:21:05] One is redacted, 31 are not. [2:21:09] So someone looked at it and decided to redact something. [2:21:13] And I will tell you that that is clear [2:21:16] and intentional to intimidate these survivors and victims. [2:21:22] Now, in a interview last week. [2:21:25] How will you tell me that's intentional? [2:21:26] In an interview last week, [2:21:29] Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch. [2:21:31] You can't go off script. [2:21:32] Said that any victim that wants to speak [2:21:35] with the department has done so, hopefully. [2:21:38] Well, thanks to the incredibly brave people [2:21:41] sitting here behind you, [2:21:42] we can actually ask them if that's true. [2:21:44] Now, would the survivors and victims who are here, [2:21:46] please stand up one more time. [2:21:48] Just by show of hands, [2:21:51] how many of you or your loved ones [2:21:54] actually have met with the Department of Justice [2:21:57] and provided testimony and estimate and evidence? [2:22:02] None. [2:22:03] And of those of you who have not met, [2:22:05] which is everyone, [2:22:06] how many of you have reached out either individually [2:22:10] or through a lawyer or representative [2:22:13] to offer to provide testimony and evidence? [2:22:18] All of them. [2:22:19] And of those of you, all of you who have reached out, [2:22:23] how many of you were denied or ignored [2:22:25] by the Department of Justice? [2:22:29] All of them. [2:22:30] And despite the shameful and despicable efforts [2:22:33] by Ms. Bondy and her department to intimidate you, [2:22:36] how many of you are still willing to speak [2:22:39] to the Department of Justice? [2:22:41] All of them. [2:22:42] Well, Ms. Bondy, it looks like you have some more witnesses [2:22:46] to talk to. [2:22:46] Gentlemen, the time has expired. [2:22:47] And I yield back. [2:22:48] We will go to the good gentleman from North Carolina, [2:22:50] Congressman Knott. [2:22:51] Thank you, Mr. [2:22:52] May I have a moment, Congressman? [2:22:53] Yes, ma'am. [2:22:54] Thank you. [2:22:57] Here we go. [2:22:57] Here's the photograph. [2:22:58] This is why he wanted to repeat everything [2:23:01] that had been said previously on Epstein. [2:23:05] This is his state, New York. [2:23:07] You probably don't even know who this is. [2:23:09] Waheed Mohammed from Afghanistan. [2:23:11] Yes, because I'm no longer a prosecutor. [2:23:13] Convicted of assault. [2:23:15] Wow. [2:23:16] He represents New York. [2:23:18] Wow. [2:23:19] Yet he doesn't care about the illegal aliens convicted [2:23:22] of crimes. [2:23:23] Assault and homicide. [2:23:25] No longer a prosecutor, so he doesn't [2:23:27] care about his constituents. [2:23:28] Here we go. [2:23:29] Arson, El Salvador, Miguel Palacios, Furman, Flores, [2:23:38] Ramales, Mexico, rape. [2:23:42] Let's talk about the 70% of immigrants who are detained [2:23:45] without a criminal conviction or arrest. [2:23:47] Stop the clock. [2:23:48] Stop the clock. [2:23:49] Time belongs to Congressman Knott. [2:23:51] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [2:23:52] Madam Attorney General, I want to be sure that the American [2:23:54] people understand exactly what we're referring to when we talk [2:23:57] about sanctuary policies. [2:23:59] They are often framed in sort of innocuous terms like, we refuse to [2:24:03] take part in immigration law. [2:24:05] And when you add up all of the population represented by these [2:24:08] cowardly politicians in sanctuary jurisdictions, [2:24:12] whether it's a county, city, or state, [2:24:14] sanctuary jurisdictions account for roughly 40% of the United [2:24:18] States. [2:24:19] Now, in reality, it's much more than just a passive exercise. [2:24:23] Is that not correct? [2:24:25] Yes. [2:24:26] It's unbelievably active. [2:24:28] And in terms of breaking down these terms, [2:24:30] I want to break it down as clearly a term as I can. [2:24:34] A federal detainer, for the American people. [2:24:36] Please describe it. [2:24:38] A federal detainer is when someone is held in federal custody. [2:24:42] Yes. [2:24:43] And when a federal detainer is issued to local law enforcement, [2:24:48] they are obviously in local or state custody, correct? [2:24:50] Yes. [2:24:51] And federal officers take note of that apprehension, [2:24:54] and they say, we want to come and apprehend him or her to deport them. [2:24:59] Isn't that correct? [2:25:00] Yes. [2:25:01] And in these sanctuary jurisdictions, whether it's California, [2:25:04] Illinois, New York, or other places, [2:25:06] even in North Carolina, there are sanctuary jurisdictions. [2:25:09] That federal detainer often prompts not any cooperation, [2:25:14] not any assistance, but a release onto the streets. [2:25:18] Isn't that correct? [2:25:19] Yeah. [2:25:20] And Congressman, a federal detainer [2:25:21] is federal law that people must abide by. [2:25:25] Yet these jurisdictions, many of these jurisdictions, [2:25:28] are not abiding by that. [2:25:29] And we hear a lot of talk from the other side about victims, [2:25:32] about victims of violent crimes. [2:25:34] Yes. [2:25:34] Sex crimes, murders, whatever it may be. [2:25:36] But I want to be very clear. [2:25:38] Illegal aliens who have been arrested for committing some of the most heinous crimes, [2:25:44] they have been released by sanctuary cities, by sanctuary states, [2:25:48] rather than being turned over to the federal government for deportation. [2:25:51] Isn't that correct? [2:25:53] It is, and it's sad for all Americans that any jurisdiction would do that. [2:25:58] These are some of the most violent criminals I think we've all seen. [2:26:02] Yes. [2:26:02] And despite their best efforts, [2:26:04] they have made the best efforts to obstruct you and the president in making us all safer. [2:26:09] I just want to go through a quick list again of the accomplishments that you have been, [2:26:15] in part, responsible for achieving. [2:26:17] True or false, the country now has the lowest murder rate in 125 years. [2:26:22] Yes. [2:26:22] True or false, 62 major cities are now reporting rapid decline in murder rates. [2:26:28] Yes. [2:26:28] True or false, robberies are down nearly 20% over the last year. [2:26:34] Yes. [2:26:35] True or false, violent crime is down almost 15% over the past year. [2:26:39] Yes. [2:26:40] True or false, right here in Washington, D.C., violent crime is down almost 30% since President Trump took office. [2:26:47] Yes, and the number may be even better than that, but yes. [2:26:50] Good. [2:26:51] Yes. [2:26:51] True or false, the DEA has seized over 200,000 kilograms of cocaine since President Trump took office. [2:27:00] I believe so, and 278,500 kilos of meth, and more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine. [2:27:07] More than 260,000 kilos of cocaine. [2:27:10] Unbelievable. [2:27:11] That's lives saved every day for all of us, for families, for children. [2:27:16] And then, true or false, the Department of Justice, under your leadership, has a 92% success rate at the Supreme Court. [2:27:23] I believe so. [2:27:23] Or ballpark. [2:27:25] Ballpark. [2:27:25] And then, true or false, this administration is attacking the waste, fraud, and abuse that we have seen in places like Minnesota [2:27:31] that is removing billions of hard-earned tax dollars from this country. [2:27:36] Absolutely. [2:27:37] And President Trump is committed to do it. [2:27:38] He's committed to doing that in every city in this country. [2:27:41] And Madam Attorney General, just to be very brief here, I want to be sure that you know that many on this committee [2:27:47] made very serious efforts to try to amend the Epstein petition to give you the resources and the time to protect victims, [2:27:55] to go through and to have the necessary runway to thoroughly go through that file. [2:28:00] Unfortunately, those requests were met with refusal, and we were unable to make the necessary amendments. [2:28:07] But thank you for being here today. [2:28:08] Thank you. [2:28:10] Good gentleman yields back. [2:28:12] We turn to the good lady from California, Congresswoman Conlager-Dove. [2:28:16] Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Attorney General, for being here today. [2:28:20] I want to talk with you about an issue on which there is broad bipartisan agreement, [2:28:26] the importance of ensuring trust between the American public and those government officials who wield powerful law enforcement responsibilities. [2:28:36] So, Attorney General, would you agree that it is important for law enforcement organizations... [2:28:40] for law enforcement leaders, to be honest? [2:28:46] Of course, as well as members of Congress. [2:28:48] Thank you. And would you include yourself [2:28:51] as a law enforcement leader? [2:28:55] Of course. Okay, thank you. Thank you. [2:28:57] You know, President Trump has also, [2:29:00] well, he has referred to himself [2:29:02] as the chief law enforcement officer of this country. [2:29:07] So do you believe that President Trump is honest? [2:29:11] He is the Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America. [2:29:15] And do you believe that President Trump is honest? [2:29:17] And not only is he keeping this country safe, [2:29:19] he is keeping this world safe. [2:29:20] Do you believe he is honest? It's a simple question, [2:29:22] which you didn't answer. Of course I do. [2:29:24] Okay, thank you. He is the Commander-in-Chief. [2:29:25] Last June, Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, [2:29:29] her husband Mark, and their dog [2:29:32] were brutally murdered in their home. [2:29:35] And your USA's office in Minnesota [2:29:38] investigated this crime [2:29:41] and obtained a six-count indictment [2:29:44] of the murder suspect, [2:29:46] stating that he had intent to kill, injury, [2:29:49] harass, and intimidate Minnesota legislators. [2:29:53] And I have the copy right here. I read through it. [2:29:56] Yet a few weeks ago, President Trump suggested publicly [2:30:01] that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was behind these murders, [2:30:05] posting on his Truth Social account [2:30:08] a video raising this conspiracy [2:30:11] theory, and it wasn't true. [2:30:13] And you know it wasn't true, [2:30:15] or else you would not have brought an indictment [2:30:17] against the subject. [2:30:19] Do you know what else Trump has said? [2:30:21] He has said he has cut gas prices by 1,400 percent. [2:30:25] False. That he won the 2020 election. [2:30:27] Actually, gas is down to $1.99 a gallon, [2:30:31] thanks to President Trump. That he didn't know Epstein. [2:30:33] Maybe $5 in California. False. [2:30:34] That he said, it's my time, Mr. Chair. [2:30:37] That he sent water to L.A. during the wildfires, false. [2:30:41] That Governor Westmore of Maryland called him [2:30:44] the greatest president of his lifetime, false. [2:30:48] So many tales, too many to keep up. [2:30:51] But I want to go back to what he said about Tim Walz. [2:30:55] Do you agree that President Trump [2:30:58] undermined public trust in law enforcement [2:31:02] by suggesting that Governor Walz [2:31:04] was involved in the Hortman murders? [2:31:07] I am not familiar with that statement. [2:31:09] Well...