House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer moves forward with criminal contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton after the former first family defied bipartisan subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, marking a historic showdown over elite accountability.
Story Highlights
- Both Clintons failed to appear for scheduled depositions despite bipartisan subpoenas approved unanimously in July 2025
- Committee plans contempt vote next week with potential criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and $100,000 fine
- Clintons released sworn declarations instead of testifying, claiming Comer is “lying with impunity” about the investigation
- Investigation focuses on Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes and unverified claims about Clinton Foundation involvement
Bipartisan Subpoenas Defied After Months of Delays
The Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee unanimously approved subpoenas for both Clintons on July 23, 2025, with Chairman Comer issuing them August 5. Bill Clinton was scheduled for deposition October 14 and Hillary October 9, but both requested postponements citing funeral obligations. After offering alternative January dates, the Clintons declined to propose new schedules, ultimately failing to appear January 13 and 14 respectively.
Written Declarations Deemed Insufficient by GOP Leadership
Instead of appearing for depositions, the Clintons released sworn declarations January 13 denying knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or involvement in Department of Justice handling. Bill Clinton’s statement rejected claims he aided the Clinton Foundation through Epstein connections, while Hillary denied any DOJ involvement during her tenure. Chairman Comer dismissed these declarations as inadequate, stating “Bill Clinton is trying to play the victim card” and emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Investigation Targets Federal Law Enforcement Response
The House Oversight probe examines how federal agencies handled Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network and Ghislaine Maxwell’s role. The committee has obtained complete documentation from Epstein’s estate and continues receiving files from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Justice Department. Previous depositions included former Attorney General Bill Barr and prosecutor Alex Acosta, establishing precedent for high-profile testimony in the investigation.
Contempt Proceedings Carry Criminal Penalties
The committee plans to vote on contempt resolutions next week, followed by a full House vote if approved. Criminal contempt of Congress carries maximum penalties of one year imprisonment and $100,000 fines, though prosecution requires Justice Department action. Recent precedents include Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro serving prison sentences for January 6 subpoena defiance, while former Attorney General Merrick Garland faced contempt votes without prosecution.
This confrontation represents a critical test of congressional oversight power against former high-ranking officials. The bipartisan nature of the original subpoenas strengthens Republicans’ position while highlighting Democrat absence from depositions despite their initial unanimous support. For conservatives long frustrated with elite immunity from accountability, these proceedings offer hope that the rule of law applies equally regardless of political status or past power.
Sources:
Clintons say Comer is ‘lying with impunity’ about Epstein inquiry, release written declarations
Chairman Comer: Bill and Hillary Clinton Are Not Above the Law
House GOP moves to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress
