NEW: House Oversight's subpoena to DOJ is incredibly broad. It calls for "all documents and communications relating or referring to ... Epstein or ... Maxwell and further relating or referring to human trafficking, exploitation of minors, sexual abuse, or related activity." 1/
In other words, it doesn't just encompass the investigative files but extends to communications between any DOJ officials and third parties, including Maxwell’s legal team or media outlets, with respect to the charged crimes and "related activity." 2/
And it is not limited to documents or communications from any given year or span of years. Rather, the subpoena expressly directs DOJ that the subpoena is “continuing in nature and applies to any newly discovered information.” 3/
Finally, remember: The privileges and protections that can be invoked in litigation don't necessarily apply in Congress. The subpoena reminds DOJ the House does not recognize "the deliberative process privilege, the attorney-client privilege, and attorney work product protections . . . 4/
. . . any purported privileges or protections from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; or any purported contractual privileges, such as non-disclosure agreements.” 5/
One more thing: Aside from redactions "to protect the personally identifiable information of victims, for any child sexual abuse material as defined by the Department of Justice Manual, and any other redactions required by law," House Oversight wants the raw material. FIN
p.s. The subpoena's breadth doesn't mean the committee will get everything, much less anything, it is asking for. Which begs the question: Will Comer fight DOJ to enforce his committee's subpoena? Stay tuned.
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