Clintons refuse to testify in Epstein probe as Oversight panel signals contempt move

Bill and Hillary Clinton did not appear for closed-door depositions in the House Oversight Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein inquiry, and Chairman James Comer said the panel will move next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt with similar action expected for Hillary Clinton.

Bill and Hillary Clinton did not appear for scheduled closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee in its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The committee had subpoenaed both in August and had set appearance dates this week. Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer said the panel will move next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt, and similar action is expected for Hillary Clinton. The Clintons’ lawyers sent an eight-page letter saying they would not appear and described the subpoenas as invalid. Known details: - The Oversight Committee subpoenaed both Clintons in August and set separate deposition dates for this week. - Chairman James Comer announced the committee will move next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt; similar action is expected for Hillary Clinton. - If the committee votes to hold them in contempt, the matter would advance to the full House for a vote and could be referred to the Justice Department. - The Clintons’ attorneys wrote that the couple had already provided the limited information they possess and described the subpoenas as legally unenforceable and an unprecedented infringement on the separation of powers. Summary: The refusal to appear sets up a legal and congressional clash between the Republican-led committee and the Clintons. The committee plans a contempt vote next week for Bill Clinton, with similar action expected for Hillary Clinton, and any contempt finding would go to the full House and could be referred to the Justice Department. The broader outcome and timing are undetermined at this time.