1:48House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer addresses reporters alongside committee members after former President Bill Clinton did not show up for a closed-door deposition at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 13, 2026, in Washington, DC.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The chair of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee announced that the panel will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against former President Bill Clinton following his absence from a subpoenaed deposition on Tuesday as part of the committee’s inquiry into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This statement was made after the former president and secretary of State sent a harsh and comprehensive four-page letter that could indicate a lengthy conflict with Congress over a move they condemned as “partisan politics.”
The committee had warned that it would hold both former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress if they failed to attend separate scheduled closed depositions set for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer speaks to reporters alongside committee members after former President Bill Clinton did not appear for a closed-door deposition in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 13, 2026, in Washington, DC.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“It is well known by now that Bill Clinton did not attend. It is crucial to emphasize that this subpoena was approved through a bipartisan vote by this committee. This was not merely a directive I issued as the chairman; the entire committee unanimously voted to subpoena former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,” Oversight Chairman James Comer stated on Tuesday morning.
“Next week, we will proceed in the House Oversight Committee markup to hold former President Clinton in contempt of Congress,” Comer, a Republican, later remarked.
A lawyer representing the Clintons, David Kendall, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding whether Hillary Clinton will attend her subpoenaed deposition on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
In the letter from the Clintons, shared on social media Tuesday morning, they publicly criticized Comer for his threat to hold them in contempt of Congress.
“Everyone must determine when they have had enough and are prepared to stand up for this country, its principles, and its citizens, irrespective of the consequences,” the Clintons stated. “For us, this is that moment.”
“Despite the numerous pressing issues that require attention to aid our nation, you are on the verge of halting Congress to pursue a seldom-used process specifically designed to lead to our imprisonment. This approach will not resolve America’s challenges, and we will vigorously defend ourselves,” the letter continued.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump at the Capitol on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC.Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images
In their letter, the Clintons assert that Comer’s handling of the committee’s investigation into Epstein has “hindered progress in uncovering the facts about the government’s involvement” and that the chairman has “failed to compel” the Justice Department to meet its disclosure obligations as mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was enacted late last year.
“We have attempted to provide you with the limited information we possess,” the Clintons wrote. “We have done this because Mr. Epstein’s offenses were appalling. If the Government did not exhaust all efforts to investigate and prosecute these crimes, for any reason, that should be the focus of your efforts — to uncover why and to ensure it does not recur. There is no indication that you are doing so.”
They expressed hope, albeit possibly in vain, that other lawmakers will not permit Comer to “unilaterally seize control of Congress” to pursue contempt charges against them, but indicated their readiness for a confrontation, should it arise.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com