House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has requested voluntary testimony from seven individuals as part of the committee's investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Among those who received letters requesting transcribed interviews are Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Gateway Inc. founder Ted Waitt, and private equity investor Leon Black. The requests are part of an expanding probe into alleged ties between high-profile individuals and Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Last week, Gates apologized to staff at his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his connections to Epstein. According to Gates, his relationship with Epstein began in 2011 and continued through 2014. The Microsoft co-founder has previously acknowledged meeting with Epstein multiple times but has denied any business relationship or friendship.

The House Oversight Committee's investigation represents the latest congressional inquiry into Epstein's network of connections. Epstein, a financier who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, maintained relationships with numerous wealthy and powerful individuals before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019.

The committee has not specified a deadline for the requested testimony or indicated whether subpoenas would be issued if the individuals decline to participate voluntarily. The investigation continues as lawmakers seek to understand the scope of Epstein's connections and activities.