Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before Congress in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019.
Their decision comes just days before the House of Representatives was set to vote on whether to hold them in criminal contempt of Congress. Lawmakers had accused the couple of refusing to comply with subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee after months of disagreement.
Why Congress Wanted the Clintons to Testify
The Republican led House Oversight Committee is examining Epstein’s connections to powerful public figures. Bill Clinton had past contact with Epstein and traveled on his private jet in the early 2000s.
Clinton has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. He says he ended contact with Epstein more than twenty years ago, long before the abuse became public.
Hillary Clinton has also denied any connection. She has stated clearly that she never met or spoke with Epstein at any time.
Contempt Vote Pushed Back
Lawmakers approved contempt resolutions against the Clintons late last month, with support from some Democrats. The committee argued that sworn written statements were not enough and wanted in person testimony.
On Monday evening, Bill Clinton’s deputy chief of staff Angel Ureña confirmed on X that both Clintons would appear before the committee. He said they negotiated in good faith and were prepared to testify under oath.
Following the announcement, congressional leaders delayed the contempt vote. House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx said the Oversight Committee needed more time to confirm the terms of the depositions.
When Will the Depositions Happen
The committee has asked for the depositions to take place in February. Lawmakers want the sessions filmed and transcribed, with no time limit. The Clintons were given a deadline to agree to these conditions.
The exact dates remain unclear. Once scheduled, this will mark the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did so in 1983.
Epstein Files and Public Records
Recently released justice department records included photos of Bill Clinton at Epstein’s property. The images show Clinton swimming in a pool and relaxing in what appears to be a hot tub.
Flight logs also show that Clinton took four international flights on Epstein’s private jet between 2002 and 2003. Clinton’s office has said those trips were linked to Clinton Foundation work.
Ureña stressed that the photos are decades old. He added that Clinton cut ties with Epstein long before any criminal charges surfaced.
No Allegations Against the Clintons
No survivors of Epstein’s abuse have accused either Bill or Hillary Clinton of wrongdoing. Both continue to deny any involvement or prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
As the investigation continues, attention now turns to what the Clintons will say under oath and how Congress will handle the next phase of the inquiry.
