House Democrats summoned Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta to an oversight hearing to explain his role in helping accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein escape a major prison sentence more than ten years ago.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday called Acosta to testify before the panel on July 23 and will focus on Acosta’s tenure as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, during President George W. Bush’s administration.
Acosta has been criticized for signing off on a non-prosecution agreement against Epstein in 2008 in which he served a few months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.
Acosta did not inform the victims ahead of the deal, in apparent violation of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
“Your testimony is even more critical now that federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York unsealed a new indictment earlier this week outlining a host of additional charges against Mr. Epstein, inclluding luring dozens of teenage girls to his homes in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida and paying them to engage in sexual activity with him,” Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, wrote to Acosta.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and other Democrats have called on Acosta to resign.
Acosta is holding a press conference Tuesday to discuss the 2008 Epstein case and is not expected to immediately step down.
