Concerns have emerged in the US Congress regarding the Department of Justice's alleged surveillance of congressional investigators as they review documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers from both major parties have expressed outrage over a revelation that DOJ had collected data on specific search terms and files accessed by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, igniting fears of a breach of trust and constitutional norms.

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi presented details of the documents accessed by Rep. Jayapal, which sparked a fierce response from fellow lawmakers, particularly Rep. Jamie Raskin, who is the committee's top Democrat. Raskin condemned the DOJ's actions as potentially infringing on the separation of powers, arguing that monitoring Congress's oversight activities undermines the foundation of legislative independence.

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between the legislative branch and the executive branch, particularly concerning oversight and accountability in high-profile cases like that of Jeffrey Epstein. As demands for investigations into the DOJ's practices grow, this incident raises significant questions about the limits of surveillance within governance, congressional rights, and the balance of power in the US political system.