Clintons To Testify On Epstein As Contempt Vote Nears

Clintons To Testify On Epstein As Contempt Vote Nears

Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before Congress in the long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, just days before lawmakers were due to vote on holding the couple in criminal contempt.

The move ends months of resistance by the Clintons, who had repeatedly refused to appear before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee. Their refusal prompted bipartisan support for contempt proceedings after subpoenas were ignored.

Confirmation came Monday night from Bill Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, who said the former president and first lady would now comply. He accused committee chairman James Comer of bad faith, but said the Clintons would appear regardless.

The agreement pauses a historic showdown that would have seen a former president and secretary of state formally cited for contempt of Congress. It also marks the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford in 1983.

Bill Clinton has long acknowledged knowing Epstein and flying on his private jet multiple times in the early 2000s, but insists he cut ties years before Epstein’s crimes became public. The Clintons deny any knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking and have not been accused of wrongdoing by survivors.

The Oversight Committee has raised concerns about delays and limits on testimony, with Comer previously warning Clinton could “run down the clock.” Lawmakers are now seeking clarity on the scope and format of the depositions before proceeding further.

The decision comes amid a fresh release of Epstein-related records by the US Justice Department, renewing scrutiny of powerful figures linked to the disgraced financier. While the Clintons say the investigation has been politicised, Republicans argue the case is about accountability — and insist no one is above the law.

Key Takeaways

• The Clintons agreed to testify just days before a looming contempt vote

• Bill Clinton admits ties to Epstein but denies knowledge of his crimes

• Lawmakers paused contempt proceedings while terms of testimony are clarified

SOURCE: BBC