WASHINGTON — The Republican‑led House Oversight Committee announced Wednesday that it will move to hold former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in criminal contempt of Congress after she refused to comply with a subpoena for testimony tied to the panel’s investigation of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer said the action follows Clinton’s refusal to appear for a closed‑door deposition, which had been scheduled as part of a broader probe into Epstein’s relationships with political figures and government officials. Comer said both Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, defied the subpoenas, and that the committee will pursue contempt proceedings against them.
What happened
Refusal to appear: Hillary Clinton was expected to sit for a sworn deposition tied to the bipartisan Epstein probe but did not appear. Comer confirmed that the committee would begin contempt of Congress proceedings after the refusal.
Statement of intent to press charges: Comer said the committee would hold both Clintons in criminal contempt, signaling that the move was imminent after the skipped deposition.
Together, these developments show the panel is moving beyond warnings toward formal action, though any eventual prosecution would depend on further steps in Congress and the Justice Department.
Why this matters
Rare but serious step: Contempt of Congress is an infrequently used authority, but the committee cited recent precedents involving other high‑profile figures. The move underscores both political and legal stakes for the former first couple.
Political and legal stakes: The Clintons’ legal team maintains that the subpoenas were invalid and politically motivated, arguing that they infringed on separation of powers. The dispute highlights deep partisan divisions over the committee’s authority and purpose.
Background on the probe
The subpoenas in question were issued after the oversight committee sought information related to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex‑trafficking charges. The committee had previously subpoenaed the Clintons along with other former officials as part of its effort to gather testimony and documents. The investigation intensified following public outrage after the Department of Justice announced the Epstein matter was closed, prompting lawmakers to seek more transparency and accountability.
What’s next
Committee and full House action: The oversight committee must mark up and vote on the contempt resolution, after which a full House vote is possible. If passed, the case would be referred to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for potential prosecution.
DOJ’s discretion: Even if a contempt resolution is approved by the House, the Justice Department retains discretion on whether to pursue an indictment, as seen in past cases where DOJ chose whether or not to prosecute.
As the situation unfolds, attention will turn to the committee’s formal vote timetable, any legal challenges the Clintons may mount, and the Justice Department’s decision on whether to pursue charges arising from the contempt referral.
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