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Maxwell Deposition Looms as Congress Investigates Epstein Network

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 0:15 GMT by Politico
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Washington, D.C. -- As the nation navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, the U.S. Congress finds itself simultaneously addressing two seemingly disparate, yet deeply intertwined, crises: the continuing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, culminating in the highly anticipated deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell, and a rapidly escalating wave of cybersecurity threats targeting critical national infrastructure. The confluence of these events is placing significant strain on legislative resources and forcing lawmakers to balance the pursuit of justice for past crimes with the urgent need to safeguard the nation from future attacks.

Maxwell Deposition: Unraveling a Network of Enablers

The House Judiciary Committee is preparing for Ghislaine Maxwell's deposition, scheduled for Thursday morning. This event represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to fully expose the extent of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal enterprise and identify all those who aided and abetted his actions. While Maxwell's legal team has signaled a willingness to cooperate, they have also indicated an intention to invoke various legal privileges, potentially limiting the scope of her testimony. Committee members are bracing for a protracted and potentially combative session, anticipating days of intense questioning.

The focus of the deposition is expected to be broad, encompassing Maxwell's intimate knowledge of Epstein's activities, her network of contacts - including powerful and influential figures - and any direct role she may have played in facilitating his crimes. Investigators are particularly interested in deciphering her communications, both personal and professional, seeking clues about the identities of other individuals involved and the nature of their connections. The committee aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the network that enabled Epstein's abuse and shielded him from accountability for years.

Legal experts suggest the assertion of privileges will be a key point of contention. Maxwell's team may attempt to protect information related to attorney-client confidentiality or assert Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, potentially hindering the committee's ability to gather crucial evidence. The outcome of these legal battles will significantly shape the narrative and determine the extent to which the public learns the full truth.

Cybersecurity Under Siege: A Critical Infrastructure at Risk

Simultaneously, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is conducting hearings to assess the alarming vulnerability of U.S. critical infrastructure to cyberattacks. The recent ransomware attack on a major energy provider last month served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a successful breach - widespread power outages, economic disruption, and even threats to public safety. This incident, coupled with a growing number of similar attacks targeting other essential sectors, has triggered a national security alert.

Lawmakers are exploring a multi-pronged approach to address the cybersecurity crisis. This includes proposals for increased funding for federal cybersecurity agencies, such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to bolster their defensive capabilities. Furthermore, there is growing momentum for stricter regulations governing the cybersecurity practices of critical infrastructure operators. The debate revolves around establishing minimum security standards, mandating incident reporting requirements, and implementing robust vulnerability management programs.

A significant challenge lies in fostering effective information sharing between government and the private sector. Many critical infrastructure assets are owned and operated by private companies, and a lack of seamless communication can hinder rapid response efforts in the event of an attack. Lawmakers are seeking ways to incentivize - or even mandate - greater collaboration and information sharing to create a more unified and resilient defense.

The AI Wildcard: Disinformation & the Future of Warfare

Complicating matters further is the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential to exacerbate existing cybersecurity threats. Congress is wrestling with the complex issue of AI regulation, recognizing both the transformative potential of the technology and the significant risks it poses. Several bills have been proposed, aiming to address concerns about AI-driven disinformation campaigns, deepfakes, and the automation of cyberattacks.

The central debate centers on finding the optimal balance between encouraging innovation and mitigating risk. Some lawmakers argue for stringent regulations to prevent the malicious use of AI, while others express concerns that overregulation could stifle technological advancement and cede leadership to foreign competitors. The development of 'red teaming' exercises, where AI systems are pitted against each other to identify vulnerabilities, is gaining traction as a potential method for proactive risk assessment.

The intersection of AI and cybersecurity is particularly alarming. AI-powered tools can be used to automate the discovery of vulnerabilities, craft more sophisticated phishing attacks, and even launch autonomous cyberattacks. The potential for AI to be weaponized in the information domain - through the creation and dissemination of realistic but fabricated content - is also a major concern.

A Nation at a Crossroads

These two crises, while distinct in their origins, highlight a broader trend: the increasing complexity of modern threats and the need for a more holistic approach to national security. Congress faces the daunting task of addressing the past while simultaneously preparing for the future, ensuring that the pursuit of justice does not come at the expense of safeguarding the nation from evolving cyberattacks and the potential perils of unchecked artificial intelligence.