Former US President Bill Clinton has agreed to testify before a congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also agreed. Their decision comes just days before a scheduled vote. The vote is on whether to hold the couple in criminal contempt. This is regarding a prior refusal to appear before the House Oversight Committee. This comes after a months-long standoff.
Bill Clinton was acquainted with Epstein. He has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. Clinton claims to have cut off contact two decades ago. The timing of the depositions remains unclear. However, this marks the first time a former U.S. president has testified before a congressional panel since 1983.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans and supported by several Democrats, recently approved the contempt measure. On Monday, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, confirmed the couple’s upcoming appearance. He stated they had negotiated in good faith. They had also previously provided sworn statements to the committee. The Clintons maintain they have already supplied all relevant information on Epstein and dismissed the legal summonses as politically motivated.
Bill Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s survivors. Flight logs show he took four international flights on Epstein’s private jet in 2002 and 2003. Recently released Justice Department records include photos of Clinton at Epstein’s estate. His spokesperson says these photos are decades old. They predate any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
In a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, the Clintons criticised the handling of the investigation. They suggested it was driven by partisan politics. Comer, however, insists the subpoenas were approved in a bipartisan vote. He states that “no-one is above the law.” Comer accuses the Clintons of repeated delays.
