The Republican-controlled House oversight committee has approved a resolution to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This marks the first time the House has taken such a step against a former president, potentially leading to a criminal prosecution by the Department of Justice.
Committee Chair James Comer accused the Clintons of responding with “defiance” rather than cooperation, stating that subpoenas carry the force of law and require compliance. The Clintons argue the subpoenas are invalid and lack a legitimate legislative purpose, offering instead written declarations about their interactions with Epstein. They have also criticized the timing of the request, noting that the Justice Department is behind schedule in releasing Epstein case files.
Despite the public standoff, negotiations have occurred behind the scenes. David Kendall, a longtime Clinton lawyer, reportedly proposed the Clintons testify on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, an offer the committee rejected. The Clintons maintain they were unaware of Epstein’s abuse and have limited relevant information.
The contempt resolution now heads to the full House for a vote, though its passage is uncertain given the narrow Republican majority. If approved, it would refer the matter to the Justice Department, which could pursue fines or imprisonment. No former president has ever been successfully compelled to testify before Congress, though some have done so voluntarily.
