House Oversight subpoenas Clintons, Epstein files

• The subpoena demands the DOJ turn over all Epstein-related materials by August 19.
• The panel is also seeking to compel testimony from former Attorneys General Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales — as well as from former FBI director Robert Mueller.
• The deposition dates Comer announced range from Aug. 18 (Barr) to Oct. 14 (Bill Clinton).

The big picture: Trump and his GOP allies in Congress have faced an uproar from their MAGA base ever since the DOJ concluded last month that Epstein had no "client list" and died by suicide.

• The subpoenas that Comey issued Tuesday are a direct rebuke of GOP leadership, which has worked to sideline Epstein-related votes.
• Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has consistently called for transparency in the case, and said "there's no fear" among his conference around the issue.

The intrigue: Notably absent from the list of subpoenaed former officials is Alex Acosta, the former U.S. Attorney who DOJ concluded demonstrated "poor judgment" when he signed off on a widely criticized 2008 plea deal for Epstein.

• Acosta served as Trump's labor secretary from 2017-2019.

Catch up quick: In a surprise move, a Democratic motion passed in a Republican-led subcommittee to issue the subpoenas just before the House left for its August recess.

• Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Brian Jack (R-Ga.) voted for the subpoena along with the five Democrats on the panel.
• Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have separately been working to force a House vote on declassifying the Epstein files, which is expected to happen when the House returns in September.
• If 218 members sign on to their petition, House leaders will be forced to bring the resolution to the floor when they return in September.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.