In the usually serene enclave of Chappaqua, just north of New York City, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently participated in closed-door depositions. This development follows months of tense negotiations between the Clintons and the Republican-led House Oversight Committee.

Last month, the Oversight Committee, with bipartisan support, moved forward with contempt of Congress charges against the Clintons. Several Democratic members, who distanced themselves from any personal ties to the Clintons, joined Republicans in this decision.

California Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the panel, emphasized that administrations from both parties have fallen short in providing transparency to the public, especially concerning the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.

Garcia also expressed an interest in exploring Epstein’s potential connections with foreign governments during the inquiry.

Democrats are also coming off an effort this week to confront Trump about his administration’s handling of the Epstein files by taking women who survived Epstein’s abuse as their guests to Trump’s State of the Union address.

Even senior Democrats, such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, said it was appropriate for the committee to interview anyone, including the former president, who was connected to Epstein.

“We want to hear from everyone,” Pelosi said, adding that she did not see why Hillary Clinton was being interviewed and that it was important to “believe survivors”.

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