House Oversight Committee Backs Down on Clinton Contempt Proceedings as Former President and Ex-Secretary of State Agree to Testify
A stunning turn of events has unfolded in the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, with the panel's chairman announcing that former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary will testify after all - albeit behind closed doors.
Initially, the committee had threatened to hold both Clintons in contempt for refusing to appear before the panel. However, just hours before the vote was set to take place, the Clintons' legal team issued a letter agreeing to the committee's terms. The panel's chairman, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, stated that "once it became clear that we would hold them in contempt, the Clintons completely caved and will appear for transcribed, filmed depositions this month."
According to Comer, Hillary Clinton will take part in a deposition on February 26th, while Bill Clinton will testify on February 27th. In a surprise move, House Republicans announced that they would put the contempt proceedings on hold to ensure the Clintons' compliance.
The decision has left many questioning how events unfolded so rapidly. Just days ago, the Clintons had been defiant, arguing that the committee's subpoenas seeking their testimony were "invalid and legally unenforceable." However, in a letter sent over the weekend, the Clintons' legal team proposed that Bill Clinton would sit for a four-hour transcribed interview in New York City, with the condition that he be restricted to matters related to the investigations into Epstein.
In contrast, Comer had rejected this offer, calling it "unreasonable." This led to Monday night's email from the Clintons' legal team, stating that they accepted the committee's terms and would appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.
The acceptance marks a stark turn for the Clintons, who had previously stated that they were willing to fight for their country's principles - no matter the consequences. In response to a question from CBS News, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that "contempt is on pause" while Rep. Comer stated that contempt was still an option, albeit one he hoped wouldn't need to be exercised.
As the investigation into Epstein continues, many questions remain unanswered. The Clintons' declarations submitted to the committee have revealed some intriguing details about their interactions with Epstein and his associates. Notably, both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton claimed not to recall any specific encounters with the late financier or Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a prison sentence on sex trafficking charges.
Despite this, both Clintons maintained that they had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and denied taking any action to help him avoid scrutiny. The extent to which these claims will be scrutinized remains to be seen, as the investigation into Epstein continues to unravel its complex web of scandals.
A stunning turn of events has unfolded in the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, with the panel's chairman announcing that former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary will testify after all - albeit behind closed doors.
Initially, the committee had threatened to hold both Clintons in contempt for refusing to appear before the panel. However, just hours before the vote was set to take place, the Clintons' legal team issued a letter agreeing to the committee's terms. The panel's chairman, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, stated that "once it became clear that we would hold them in contempt, the Clintons completely caved and will appear for transcribed, filmed depositions this month."
According to Comer, Hillary Clinton will take part in a deposition on February 26th, while Bill Clinton will testify on February 27th. In a surprise move, House Republicans announced that they would put the contempt proceedings on hold to ensure the Clintons' compliance.
The decision has left many questioning how events unfolded so rapidly. Just days ago, the Clintons had been defiant, arguing that the committee's subpoenas seeking their testimony were "invalid and legally unenforceable." However, in a letter sent over the weekend, the Clintons' legal team proposed that Bill Clinton would sit for a four-hour transcribed interview in New York City, with the condition that he be restricted to matters related to the investigations into Epstein.
In contrast, Comer had rejected this offer, calling it "unreasonable." This led to Monday night's email from the Clintons' legal team, stating that they accepted the committee's terms and would appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.
The acceptance marks a stark turn for the Clintons, who had previously stated that they were willing to fight for their country's principles - no matter the consequences. In response to a question from CBS News, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that "contempt is on pause" while Rep. Comer stated that contempt was still an option, albeit one he hoped wouldn't need to be exercised.
As the investigation into Epstein continues, many questions remain unanswered. The Clintons' declarations submitted to the committee have revealed some intriguing details about their interactions with Epstein and his associates. Notably, both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton claimed not to recall any specific encounters with the late financier or Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a prison sentence on sex trafficking charges.
Despite this, both Clintons maintained that they had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and denied taking any action to help him avoid scrutiny. The extent to which these claims will be scrutinized remains to be seen, as the investigation into Epstein continues to unravel its complex web of scandals.