Rep. Summer Lee Accuses Rep. Comer of ‘B-tch’ Remark

A heated exchange has erupted on Capitol Hill, with U.S. Representative Summer Lee accusing House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer of using a derogatory term during a closed-door meeting. The contentious discussion reportedly centered on Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the controversial Epstein files and their public release.

Allegations of Offensive Language

Following the meeting, Rep. Lee, who represents Pennsylvania, expressed her frustration to reporters, stating that Chairman Comer called her a “b-tch.” The incident occurred during a briefing that had escalated over the subpoena of Pam Bondi concerning the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking conviction. Lee had been attempting to initiate impeachment proceedings against Bondi for alleged obstruction and withholding of the files.

While Comer has denied using the term directly at Lee, CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins reported that Comer did use the word “bitching” during the exchange. He reportedly used the term to suggest that Lee was wasting the committee’s time with her attempts to push for impeachment articles.

Comer’s Defense and Interpretation

Rep. Comer took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the controversy, posting a “FACT CHECK: True.” He clarified, “I said Democrats were bitching and wasting everyone’s time because Democrats were bitching and wasting everyone’s time.” Comer argued that his comment was directed at the Democratic members collectively, not solely at Rep. Lee.

However, Lee, a Black woman in a prominent political role, felt the remark was a direct attack, particularly given the context and her position. The disagreement highlights the ongoing friction between Democrats and Republicans regarding the accountability of officials like Bondi and the transparency surrounding the Epstein case.

Accountability and Continued Disputes

Democrats continue to urge their Republican colleagues to hold Pam Bondi accountable for her role in the delayed release of the Epstein files. The exchange between Lee and Comer underscores the intense political climate and the personal nature of some disputes within Congress, especially when dealing with sensitive and high-profile investigations.