A heated clash between Attorney General Pam Bondi and Rep. Becca Balint erupted Wednesday during a marathon House Judiciary Committee hearing, turning a routine oversight session into a charged confrontation over antisemitism, political accountability, and past investigations.

The exchange unfolded as lawmakers questioned Bondi about the Justice Department’s priorities and enforcement record. Balint, a Vermont Democrat, had pressed the department on civil rights and oversight issues when Bondi abruptly pivoted to Balint’s past handling of matters related to Jeffrey Epstein.

“I was curious if you, congresswoman, asked Bill Clinton that,” Bondi said, referring to Bill Clinton. “Didn’t see one tweet, not one, I didn’t see one tweet when Joe Biden was in office about Bill Clinton. Didn’t ask Merrick Garland anything about Epstein, not once, when he was.”

Bondi also cited Joe Biden and Merrick Garland in her criticism, suggesting that Balint had failed to pursue aggressive oversight during the previous administration.

The attorney general then escalated the exchange by turning to Balint’s voting record.

“And also, I want the record to reflect that, you know, with this anti-Semitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution condemning…” Bondi said, trailing off as Balint reacted.

Balint immediately pushed back, raising her voice.

“Oh, oh, do you want to go there, attorney general, do you want to go there? Are you serious?!” she said.

“Talking about anti-Semitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! Really? Really?” Balint added, before standing up and walking out of the hearing room.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)