Bill Clinton, former President of the United States, alongside Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party’s nominee for the 2016 presidential election, are set to offer testimony in a congressional inquiry concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by a staff member on Monday.
This move could potentially preempt a scheduled vote in the Republican-majority House of Representatives that aimed to charge the Clintons with contempt, an action that might have resulted in criminal proceedings.
Recently, the US Department of Justice unveiled a trove of internal documents shedding light on Epstein’s connections with numerous influential figures across political, financial, academic, and business spheres. These associations spanned both before and after his 2008 guilty plea on prostitution charges.
When questioned about whether the House of Representatives would delay its contempt proceedings against the Clintons, House Speaker Mike Johnson conveyed to Reuters, “The legal teams are currently examining the specifics.”
Johnson had earlier expressed approval regarding the Clintons’ decision to participate in the testimony.
Last week, the House Oversight Committee (HOC) proposed that the Clintons face contempt charges for their initial refusal to discuss their connections with Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee (HOC) recommended last week that the Clintons be held in contempt for refusing to testify about their relationship with Epstein.
The Clintons had offered to cooperate with the panel, but had refused to appear in person, saying the investigation was a partisan exercise aimed at protecting Republican President Donald Trump.
“They told you under oath what they know, but you don’t care. But the former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,” the Clintons’ deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, said on social media.
Bill Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane several times in the early 2000s after leaving office. He has expressed regret about the relationship and said he knew nothing about Epstein’s criminal activity.
Republican US representative James Comer, who chairs the HOC, said on Monday the Clintons have not given a date for their depositions and that he will discuss next steps with panel members.
“The Clintons’ counsel has said they agree to terms, but those terms lack clarity yet again and they have provided no dates for their depositions,” Comer said.
“I will clarify the terms they are agreeing to and then discuss next steps with my committee members.”
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