politics
House Democrat Questions Format of Bondi Interview
A senior House Democrat has questioned Republican adjustments to the planned testimony of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, including shifts from a sworn deposition to a transcribed interview without video recording. The Democrat highlighted potential issues with Bondi's representation by a Justice Department official and deviations from standard procedures.
May 4, 6:30 AM·2m read2 sources
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A top Democrat on a congressional panel has raised concerns about Republican-led changes to the format of former Attorney General Pam Bondi's upcoming testimony regarding her handling of certain files. Republicans stated that the adjusted format aligns with practices for cooperative witnesses.
), described the transcribed interview as a 'purely voluntary proceeding' that allows Bondi to decline answering questions without valid grounds, such as invoking the Fifth Amendment. He argued this format deviates from the requirements of the issued subpoena.
A Republican aide countered that witnesses in such interviews must still acknowledge their obligation to tell the truth and can face penalties for false testimony.
Garcia emphasized the importance of filming the testimony to capture Bondi's demeanor and provide public transparency, pointing out that recent appearances by former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were recorded.
He noted that forgoing video represents a departure from handling other prominent witnesses. Republicans did not directly address the video concern in available responses.
“You have agreed to permit former Attorney General Pamela Bondi to appear before this Committee in a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition, which she is required to do pursuant to the subpoena that this Committee duly issued to her.”
