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House Oversight Sends Clinton Contempt Measures to Floor in Epstein Inquiry

The full House must now decide whether to refer the case to the Justice Department for possible criminal contempt.

Overview

  • In bipartisan votes, the committee advanced contempt recommendations 34–8 for Bill Clinton and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton after they declined transcribed depositions.
  • Nine Democrats supported the Bill Clinton measure and three backed the Hillary Clinton measure, according to the recorded roll calls.
  • Republicans insist subpoenas require sworn, transcribed testimony, while the Clintons argue the demands lack a valid legislative purpose and offered sworn statements and a limited New York interview instead.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled support for contempt, though the outcome on the House floor remains uncertain given recent Republican divisions.
  • The panel set a Feb. 9 deposition with Ghislaine Maxwell, as the Justice Department continues a slow, staggered release of Epstein records that lawmakers say has hindered the probe; criminal contempt can bring fines and up to a year in jail if prosecuted and convicted.