House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has formally requested that attorney Alan Dershowitz testify before the committee as part of its ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. The Kentucky Republican cited public reporting, Justice Department documents, and committee-obtained materials in his request for Dershowitz's testimony.

Meanwhile, Rep. Robert Garcia, a California Democrat on the committee, has urged Comer to call several Trump administration officials for questioning. Garcia's letter to Comer followed what he described as an explosive report regarding the White House's alleged efforts to contain the Epstein scandal. Garcia pressed the chairman to take immediate steps to secure testimony from these officials.

The disagreement highlights partisan divisions over the scope and direction of the committee's Epstein investigation. Republicans appear focused on examining Dershowitz's connections to the case, while Democrats are pushing for testimony from Trump administration figures.

Dershowitz previously served as part of Epstein's legal team during earlier proceedings. The attorney has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein's activities. Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The House Oversight Committee has been conducting its investigation into Epstein's crimes and associated individuals for several months. The committee has the authority to compel testimony through subpoenas if witnesses decline voluntary appearances.