The House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is expected to continue well beyond its one-year mark later this month, with lawmakers in both parties signaling they intend to keep pursuing new witnesses and records regardless of which party controls Congress next year.
Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., said the investigation has expanded as each deposition has led investigators to additional potential witnesses, making it unlikely the panel will conclude its work anytime soon, Politico reported.
"It's probably going to be hard because it seems like after every deposition we get another name or two that we need to talk to," Comer said, adding that he had hoped to wrap up interviews before the August recess.
Democrats, meanwhile, say they would make the Epstein investigation a top oversight priority if they win control of the House after the midterm elections.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., called the investigation "just the beginning" and accused the Trump administration of withholding information related to the case.
President Donald Trump has denied wrongdoing and has said he had a falling-out with Epstein years before the financier died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who would likely chair the committee if Democrats take the House, said the panel should continue seeking testimony from additional witnesses, including some who previously appeared voluntarily but were not questioned under oath.
Garcia also said lawmakers should continue to press for the release of the remaining Epstein-related records.
Since launching the inquiry last year, the committee has interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, billionaire investor Leon Black, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Lawmakers have not announced evidence resulting in new criminal charges, though some testimony has produced new investigative leads.
Former Epstein assistant Sarah Kellen identified two men she alleged were connected to Epstein's misconduct: hairstylist Frederic Fekkai and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. Both have denied wrongdoing.
Committee Republicans have referred those allegations to the Justice Department. A DOJ official confirmed the department received the referral and said the FBI is reviewing whether Kellen's allegations contain information not previously provided during earlier federal investigations.
The official said the bureau would investigate further if it uncovers evidence of a federal crime.
Comer said the committee also could make additional criminal referrals.
"We believe there are people that deserve to be prosecuted, and we're going to do everything in our ability to see that happen," he said.
The investigation has also scrutinized the Justice Department's handling of Epstein-related records.
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche have faced questions over the department's release of documents after Congress passed legislation requiring broader disclosure of Epstein files.
Lawmakers from both parties have argued the rollout has been incomplete and marred by excessive redactions and the mistaken release of victim information.
Some Republicans, however, have questioned whether the congressional investigation can accomplish more than federal prosecutors.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., argued that criminal investigations should remain the Justice Department's responsibility rather than Congress'.
"Frankly, bringing all these people in is still part of the charade," Massie said, adding that prosecutors should pursue charges where credible evidence exists.
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., also expressed skepticism that the investigation would reach a definitive conclusion, comparing it to other long-running congressional inquiries that have continued for decades without fully resolving lingering questions.