Wednesday, January 14, 2026- In a dramatic escalation on Capitol Hill this week, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee in the Republican-led investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case, even as lawmakers prepare to move forward with contempt of Congress proceedings against them.
Committee Chair James Comer has said Bill Clinton’s failure to appear for a scheduled deposition and Hillary Clinton’s expected absence could trigger formal contempt votes as soon as next week. Comer maintains the subpoenas were issued unanimously by the committee and are intended to secure testimony, not to allege wrongdoing, while the Clintons argue the inquiry lacks legal validity.
The Clintons’ response has been firm and direct. In a joint letter, they described the subpoenas as invalid and legally unenforceable, stating they have already provided all relevant information they possess through sworn written statements.
They argue the committee has accepted written testimony from other witnesses and that compelling them to appear in person is politically motivated rather than necessary to advance the investigation. The dispute has quickly evolved into a confrontation over congressional authority and oversight powers, with both sides showing little willingness to back down.
The standoff unfolds amid heightened public scrutiny of how authorities handled Epstein’s crimes and ongoing pressure for greater transparency around related government records. With contempt proceedings now on the table, the dispute could extend beyond Congress and into the courts, potentially setting new precedents on whether former top government officials can be forced to testify. The outcome is shaping up as a high-stakes test of legal boundaries, political leverage, and accountability.
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