Republicans Plan Contempt Vote After Clinton Skips Epstein Hearing

Former President Bill Clinton failed to appear Tuesday at a House Oversight Committee deposition tied to its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The Republican-led panel, probing the government's past handling of the late sex offender, had issued a subpoena for his testimony. Clinton's team called the order unenforceable, setting off vows from committee leaders to pursue contempt charges.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein faced federal charges for sex trafficking before his death by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. His case drew wide attention for links to powerful figures, including flights on his private plane in the early 2000s by Bill Clinton. The House Oversight Committee, under Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, launched a probe last year into how federal agencies managed Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Lawmakers passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act late last year to force out more records from the Justice Department. The committee wants to know if officials dropped the ball on investigations. Republicans point to Clinton's past travels with Epstein—more than 20 flights on the Lolita Express, as the plane was known—as reason for his input. They also subpoenaed Hillary Clinton, his wife and former Secretary of State, for a deposition set for Wednesday.

The subpoenas came in August, with depositions first planned for October. Clinton's lawyer, David Kendall, pushed back then, saying the pair had little to offer. He noted the committee excused five former attorneys general after they said they knew nothing relevant. Kendall argued Bill Clinton cut ties with Epstein 20 years ago and regrets the contact. Hillary Clinton, he said, never met Epstein or Maxwell, never flew on the plane, and never visited the island.

Comer rejected that. He wrote back that the committee decides what information matters, not witnesses. The subpoena passed with full committee support, including Democrats. Tensions built over months of back-and-forth letters. The Clintons sent documents but refused in-person talks, saying written replies should suffice.

Key Details

Clinton's no-show happened Tuesday morning at House offices in Washington. Reporters gathered outside the empty hearing room. Comer spoke right after, calling it a clear defiance.

"I think everyone knows by now, Bill Clinton did not show up. And I think it's important to note that this subpoena was voted on in a bipartisan manner by this committee. This wasn't something that I just issued as chairman." – Rep. James Comer

Comer stressed the unanimous vote and said delays dragged on despite offers to reschedule. He announced a committee markup next week to advance a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton. If approved, it heads to a full House vote. Republicans hold the majority, so passage looks likely.

Contempt of Congress carries penalties: a misdemeanor with fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail if convicted. Enforcement falls to the Justice Department, which rarely prosecutes. The Clintons fired back in a letter released on social media. They called the probe "legally invalid" and accused Comer of uneven rules—letting others submit written statements while demanding their live testimony.

Clinton Response and Hillary's Turn

The Clintons said they shared what little they know because Epstein's crimes were so bad. They urged focus on government failures, not them.

"We have tried to give you the little information that we have. We've done so because Mr. Epstein’s crimes were horrific. If the Government didn’t do all it could to investigate and prosecute these crimes, for whatever reason, that should be the focus of your work."

Kendall has not said if Hillary Clinton will appear Wednesday. Her team asked Comer to de-escalate in a letter dated January 12. The committee doubts their claims of limited knowledge, given past ties. Photos from Epstein's estate, released recently, show both Clinton and Donald Trump, though Trump is not subpoenaed. As sitting president, he cited precedents to avoid testimony; the committee dropped its push.

Comer said no one accuses the Clintons of crimes—just questions remain. The probe also eyes Justice Department delays in file releases despite the new law. Republicans want an independent monitor to oversee disclosures and check for redactions.

What This Means

This standoff tests Congress's power to force testimony from ex-presidents. Past cases, like Trump's, show committees sometimes back off. Contempt votes grab headlines but often stall. The House could approve, but prosecution depends on a Justice Department that has slow-walked Epstein files.

For the probe, Clinton's absence slows things. Lawmakers want his account of flights and meetings to gauge if agencies ignored tips. Democrats on the committee back the subpoena but question the focus on Clintons over DOJ stonewalling. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Comer a "stone cold liar" in a past clash over Epstein claims.

Hillary Clinton's Wednesday slot adds pressure. If she skips too, dual contempt pushes could follow. The fight highlights partisan rifts: Republicans see evasion, Clintons see a political hit. Broader, it spotlights unfinished business on Epstein—victims wait for full records, years after his death.

Committee staff released tens of thousands of DOJ pages recently, but more loom. A judge ordered responses by Friday on monitor requests. As markup nears, eyes stay on Capitol Hill for next moves in this long-running saga.