Bill and Hillary Clinton agreeing to testify before Congress in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation as a contempt of Congress vote looms:

Clintons Agree to Testify in Epstein Probe
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives in its ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came late Monday as Republican leaders were preparing to bring a vote on whether to hold the couple in criminal contempt of Congress for previously failing to appear for subpoenas demanding their testimony.
Their attorneys informed staff of the House Oversight Committee that the Clintons will provide sworn depositions on mutually agreeable dates, a move seen as an effort to avert the threat of contempt charges.
Context: Months of Standoff and Subpoenas
The dispute stems from subpoenas issued by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee for the Clintons to sit for closed-door, transcribed depositions as part of its investigation into Epstein’s circle of associates. The couple had resisted appearing, with their legal team arguing the subpoenas were invalid and politically motivated.
Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) responded by advancing criminal contempt of Congress resolutions against both Bill and Hillary Clinton—a rare and serious step that could lead to fines or jail time if approved by the House and prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Negotiations Over Terms and Timing
The agreement to testify did not immediately end the threat of contempt. Comer said an agreement had not yet been finalized, and he insisted that both Clintons sit for sworn depositions rather than offering limited interviews or written statements. Earlier in the process, the Clintons had proposed alternatives—including a transcribed interview for Bill Clinton and a sworn declaration for Hillary Clinton—but Comer rejected those as insufficient to satisfy the subpoenas.
“We don’t have anything in writing,” Comer said, stressing that the committee would need clear, enforceable terms before dropping contempt proceedings.
Political Stakes and Historical Significance
A contempt of Congress vote against a former president and former secretary of state would be unprecedented in U.S. history, highlighting the high stakes of the confrontation. Republicans have emphasized Bill Clinton’s past associations with Epstein—though neither he nor Hillary Clinton has been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes.
Some Democrats have joined Republicans in supporting the contempt motion, arguing for transparency in the Epstein investigation, while other Democrats have criticized the process as politically driven.
What Comes Next
- The House Rules Committee postponed advancing the contempt resolutions as negotiations continued.
- Final depositions by the Clintons have no confirmed dates yet.
- The full House could still proceed with a vote on contempt if terms are not agreed.
Background: The Epstein Investigation
The congressional probe into Epstein seeks information on his social and political connections, how his criminal activities were handled by authorities, and whether prominent figures—including the Clintons—have relevant knowledge about aspects of his network. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.