Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are demanding that Chairman James Comer arrange immediate videotaped interviews with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. The request stems from the committee's ongoing probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the handling of related files.

Ranking Member Robert Garcia sent a letter to Comer on Tuesday, obtained by ABC News, urging the chairman to schedule separate, transcribed interviews with Blanche and Patel. Democrats argue that the credibility of the committee's investigation hinges on obtaining direct testimony from these key figures.

Garcia stated that the previous week's closed-door interview with former Attorney General Pam Bondi underscored the necessity of questioning Blanche and Patel. He accused them of being "directly involved in the cover up of the Epstein files and botched roll-out of the documents," which he contends "re-victimized survivors and made a mockery of our Justice Department."

The call for interviews follows Bondi's testimony, during which she reportedly referenced Blanche's name approximately 30 times. According to the source familiar with the testimony, Bondi indicated that Blanche was delegated the responsibility for overseeing the release of the extensive Epstein files and that she repeatedly shifted responsibility to him.

Democrats also seek to question Blanche regarding his alleged involvement in the prison transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted co-conspirator of Epstein's. Bondi's testimony, as reported, indicated she opposed Maxwell's pardon and was unaware of the transfer until after it occurred. Garcia noted that Bondi's testimony "repeatedly shifted responsibility to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche."

The demand for Blanche's testimony comes as he is scheduled to appear before a House appropriations subcommittee on Capitol Hill. His appearance could generate significant attention following Bondi's transcribed interview.

Democrats also expressed alarm over former Attorney General Bondi's repeated references to FBI Director Kash Patel during her interview, indicating that Patel also oversaw the release of the Epstein files. The committee seeks to understand Patel's role in the process.

The committee has so far conducted depositions but has not video recorded any of its transcribed interviews. Democrats argue that videotaped testimony is crucial for transparency and for eliciting candid responses from key officials involved in the Epstein file dissemination.