Clintons Contempt House Vote Advances in Epstein Investigation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans have advanced contempt of Congress charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton for defying subpoenas related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The move could set the stage for unprecedented legal action against a former U.S. president. The Clintons argue the subpoenas lack legal validity and offer limited cooperation instead.
Clintons Face Contempt Threat in Epstein Probe: Quick Looks
- Contempt Resolution Approved: House Oversight Committee sends contempt charges to full House.
- Historic Step: First time a former president may face criminal contempt from Congress.
- Republican Push: Chairman Comer says the Clintons have shown “defiance,” not cooperation.
- Legal Stakes: Contempt charges could lead to DOJ prosecution and even prison time.
- Clintons Respond: Claim subpoenas are invalid, offer written statements instead of testimony.
- Private Talks Ongoing: Clinton lawyer seeks compromise amid growing pressure.
- Epstein Files Delayed: DOJ behind on releasing key Epstein documents to Congress.
- Democratic Split: Democrats demand transparency but question Comer’s Clinton focus.
- Maxwell, Bondi Next: Ghislaine Maxwell and AG Pam Bondi also expected to testify.
Deep Look: Clintons Contempt House Vote Advances in Epstein Investigation
In a bold escalation of the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, House Republicans on Wednesday advanced a resolution to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), approved the measure, teeing up a potential full House vote that could lead to criminal prosecution — a first for any former U.S. president.
“Subpoenas are not mere suggestions. They carry the force of law,” said Comer, accusing the Clintons of “defiance” for refusing to testify.
The contempt resolution stems from the Clintons’ refusal to comply with a committee subpoena demanding sworn testimony as part of Congress’s broadening probe into Epstein’s long history of sexual abuse and his connections to high-profile figures.
Subpoenas Disputed, Negotiations Underway
While Comer has rejected attempts by the Clintons’ legal team to negotiate alternative arrangements — including a closed-door interview in New York — the Clintons argue the subpoenas lack legal grounding and legislative purpose. In a letter to Comer, they emphasized that they have already offered written declarations about their interactions with Epstein and denied any knowledge of his criminal conduct.
“Mr. Epstein’s crimes were horrific,” the Clintons wrote. “We’ve tried to give you the little information we have.”
Behind the scenes, longtime Clinton attorney David Kendall has floated options to resolve the standoff, including having the Clintons testify around the Christmas holidays. However, Comer insists that only a transcribed deposition will suffice, stating, “No transcript, no deal.”
Contempt Charges: Rare and Powerful
Holding individuals in contempt of Congress is an extraordinary and seldom-used tool, typically reserved for major national controversies. The move opens the door to a potential Department of Justice criminal referral, which, if pursued, could result in hefty fines or jail time.
Recent examples include Trump allies Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, both convicted for defying subpoenas related to the January 6th investigation. Neither a former president nor first lady has ever been held in contempt by Congress.
Still, the success of the contempt charges hinges on a full House vote — and with the GOP’s narrow majority and internal divisions, passage remains uncertain.
Why the Epstein Case Still Matters
Though Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting federal trial, public interest in his connections to global elites remains high. Congress is investigating how Epstein operated a sex trafficking network for decades with apparent impunity — and how many powerful figures, including both Clintons and Donald Trump, became entangled in his social circle.
While no criminal wrongdoing has been proven against the Clintons or Trump, the unsealed case files and subpoenas have reignited scrutiny.
“No president or former president is above the law,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the committee’s top Democrat, signaling that Bill Clinton should testify if he has relevant information.
Democratic Division on Contempt Effort
Though Democrats on the Oversight Committee are calling for full transparency in the Epstein investigation, many voiced concerns that Comer is disproportionately targeting the Clintons.
“It’s interesting that it’s this subpoena only that Republicans and the chairman have been obsessed about,” Garcia said, pointing out the delay in the Justice Department releasing complete Epstein case files.
Indeed, some lawmakers suggest the timing of the contempt push is politically motivated — coinciding with former President Trump’s return to the White House and the midterms looming.
Still, Democrats are not offering the Clintons blanket protection. Some argue that if Bill Clinton has critical information, he should share it.
Next Witnesses: Ghislaine Maxwell and Pam Bondi
Comer confirmed the committee will interview Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, next month. Maxwell is currently serving a federal prison sentence for sex trafficking.
Also scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee is Attorney General Pam Bondi, who promised to release unredacted Epstein files — a promise she has yet to fully deliver. Bondi’s handling of the files has fueled bipartisan frustration.
That frustration led to a rare bipartisan subpoena ordering the Department of Justice and the Epstein estate to disclose all remaining documents. Republicans later expanded the subpoena to include the Clintons.
What Happens Next?
If the full House votes to hold the Clintons in contempt, the case could be referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. Whether the DOJ acts on it remains to be seen, especially given the historic and political weight of prosecuting a former president.
“This could be precedent-setting,” said a senior House aide familiar with the case. “It’s a legal, political, and constitutional moment.”
Until then, negotiations behind closed doors may continue. But for now, Comer’s message is clear: no exceptions, even for former presidents.
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