Former US President Bill Clinton is facing potential contempt of Congress proceedings after he did not attend a scheduled closed-door hearing with a House committee investigating the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
No-Show Sparks Congressional Fury
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee had compelled Mr Clinton to provide sworn testimony as part of its bipartisan probe into Epstein's criminal network. The deposition was scheduled for 10am on Tuesday, but the former president was not seen on Capitol Hill. In response, the committee's Republican chairman, James Comer, had previously warned that he would initiate contempt proceedings if Mr Clinton failed to appear.
Clinton's Request for Written Answers Rejected
Prior to the scheduled hearing, the Clintons' attorney, David Kendall, had argued that it would be more efficient for the former first couple to provide written answers to the committee's questions. However, Chairman Comer firmly rejected this request, insisting on in-person, sworn testimony. The committee is seeking details about the Clintons' past associations with both Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, which reportedly included flights on Epstein's private jet.
What Happens Next?
The focus now shifts to Hillary Clinton, who is slated to appear before the committee on Wednesday. The simultaneous scrutiny of both Clintons underscores the investigation's intensity. The threat of a contempt of Congress action against a former president is a serious and rare escalation, highlighting the determination of lawmakers to secure testimony. This development follows the recent release of new imagery from the Epstein estate, including one photograph featuring Bill Clinton.
The committee's investigation continues to delve into the extent and nature of the relationships that powerful figures maintained with Epstein, aiming to uncover further details about his extensive sex trafficking operation.
