WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton is set to be formally held in contempt of Congress after he failed to appear for a scheduled deposition Tuesday before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), had issued a bipartisan subpoena for Clinton’s testimony. Clinton’s scheduled deposition was part of a broader inquiry into Epstein and his associates, though neither he nor his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the case.
Clinton did not show up for his deposition, and Counsel for the Oversight Committee noted his absence on the record. Comer announced the panel will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against the former president next week, a significant escalation in the investigation.
The Clintons’ legal team had previously sent an eight-page letter to the Committee stating they would not comply with the subpoena, arguing it was legally invalid and unnecessary because they have provided what limited relevant information they possess in writing.
If the House votes to hold Clinton in contempt, the matter would typically move to the Justice Department, which could choose whether to pursue prosecution — a rare step in congressional oversight matters.
This development comes amid ongoing public and political scrutiny over the handling of Epstein’s crimes and the government’s response to them.
