Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are set to testify before Congress as part of a burgeoning probe into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a move that could have potentially averted a vote to hold them in contempt. According to a spokesman for the ex-president, both Clintons will appear in person, setting a precedent for others.
The House Rules Committee had advanced resolutions accusing the couple of defying subpoenas and refusing to answer questions in writing about their ties to Epstein, who was a known associate of President Donald Trump. The move has been criticized by Democrats as an attempt to discredit opponents of the former president without conducting legitimate oversight.
A contentious battle is unfolding over the handling of earlier investigations into Epstein's activities, with some lawmakers accusing Clinton and his wife of attempting to avoid scrutiny. However, others have pointed out that no one should be immune from questioning in such cases.
The Clintons had initially submitted sworn written statements describing their knowledge of Epstein, including Bill Clinton's use of his private jet for work-related purposes on the financier's plane. Hillary Clinton denied ever having a meaningful interaction with Epstein and never visiting his private island.
A vote to hold the couple in contempt could have exposed divisions within congressional Democrats, who had been divided over how to proceed with the probe. The move was seen as an opportunity by some lawmakers to deflect attention away from Trump's own past connections to Epstein.
As the investigation into Epstein continues, it remains unclear what specific questions or evidence are driving the Clintons' testimony before Congress.
The House Rules Committee had advanced resolutions accusing the couple of defying subpoenas and refusing to answer questions in writing about their ties to Epstein, who was a known associate of President Donald Trump. The move has been criticized by Democrats as an attempt to discredit opponents of the former president without conducting legitimate oversight.
A contentious battle is unfolding over the handling of earlier investigations into Epstein's activities, with some lawmakers accusing Clinton and his wife of attempting to avoid scrutiny. However, others have pointed out that no one should be immune from questioning in such cases.
The Clintons had initially submitted sworn written statements describing their knowledge of Epstein, including Bill Clinton's use of his private jet for work-related purposes on the financier's plane. Hillary Clinton denied ever having a meaningful interaction with Epstein and never visiting his private island.
A vote to hold the couple in contempt could have exposed divisions within congressional Democrats, who had been divided over how to proceed with the probe. The move was seen as an opportunity by some lawmakers to deflect attention away from Trump's own past connections to Epstein.
As the investigation into Epstein continues, it remains unclear what specific questions or evidence are driving the Clintons' testimony before Congress.