00:00Recent controversy is growing in Washington following a congressional hearing involving U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice
00:06Department's handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
00:10During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, photos showed Bondi holding a document labeled as the search history of Representative Pramila
00:17Jayapal.
00:18The document reportedly listed specific Epstein-related files Jayapal accessed while reviewing less redacted case materials at a Justice Department
00:25facility.
00:25The Justice Department had allowed members of Congress to review sensitive Epstein records using government computers in a controlled environment.
00:32However, multiple lawmakers later said their searches appeared to have been logged and monitored, raising concerns about possible surveillance of
00:39Congress by the executive branch.
00:41Jayapal publicly condemned the practice, calling it inappropriate and a violation of the separation of powers.
00:46Other lawmakers from both parties also raised concerns and called for investigations into how the search data was collected and
00:52used.
00:52House Speaker Mike Johnson said he did not believe lawmakers' searches should be tracked and suggested the situation may have
00:58been an oversight.
00:59Though he said the issue should be addressed, the Justice Department has defended its logging system, saying it was intended
01:04to protect victim identities and prevent improper disclosure of sensitive information.
01:08The controversy drew attention from late-night television as well.
01:12Comedian Jimmy Kimmel criticized the situation during a monologue, calling them,
01:15calling reported monitoring disturbing and raising concerns about potential abuse of power.
01:20The dispute comes amid broader criticism of the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files release,
01:25including complaints about redactions and victim privacy protections.
01:28Lawmakers are now pushing for further oversight and potential Inspector General investigations into the Department's actions.
01:33The situation remains under review as calls for transparency and accountability continue from both sides of the political aisle.
01:41Watch out.
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