WASHINGTON — Congressional scrutiny of people linked to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continued on Wednesday as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform pursued additional witness testimony, extending a high-profile investigation that has drawn sustained public attention to Epstein's network and the handling of related records.
Kathryn Ruemmler, the former White House counsel under President Barack Obama and until recently a senior legal executive at Goldman Sachs, appeared before the committee for questioning about her contacts with Epstein, according to congressional officials and public hearing schedules. Her appearance followed testimony from a series of prominent political and business figures as lawmakers examine whether Epstein's wealth and influence enabled him to maintain relationships with powerful individuals despite previous criminal allegations.
Committee Chairman James Comer has said the bipartisan investigation is intended to establish a factual record regarding Epstein's associates and the government's handling of the case. Lawmakers have emphasized that appearing before the committee does not by itself imply wrongdoing and that witnesses are being questioned to clarify facts surrounding their interactions with Epstein.
The hearings follow an earlier confrontation involving billionaire investor Leon Black, who was subpoenaed after a closed-door appearance ended prematurely when committee members said he declined to answer certain questions concerning nondisclosure agreements. The committee subsequently ordered him to return for a deposition and produce additional documents. Black has denied abusing women or being blackmailed by Epstein.
Separately, the Justice Department remains engaged in disputes over access to Epstein-related records. Federal officials said this week they could not provide unredacted files requested by New Mexico authorities because of legal restrictions, court orders, and protections for victims and witnesses. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has argued that additional records are needed for the state's renewed investigation into alleged criminal activity at Epstein's former ranch.
Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. His longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a federal prison sentence following her conviction on sex-trafficking-related charges.
Lawmakers have said the committee's work will continue with additional depositions and the possibility of future public hearings featuring witnesses and alleged victims who choose to testify. Committee leaders have said no final conclusions will be drawn until additional evidence and testimony have been reviewed.
