WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill and Hillary Clinton, the former President and Secretary of State respectively, have openly declined a subpoena from Congress related to an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The House committee, led by Republican Rep. James Comer, is contemplating contempt of Congress actions against the Clintons.
In a public letter shared on social media, the Clintons criticized the House Oversight investigation, calling it “legally invalid.” They claimed, “We will forcefully defend ourselves,” accusing Comer of selective enforcement of subpoenas, allowing some former officials to give written statements, while demanding their in-person testimony.
The situation raises questions about congressional authority in compelling testimonies, coinciding with Republican concerns over the delayed Justice Department release of the Epstein files, despite bipartisan efforts.
Contempt Proceedings Considered
Comer announced plans to start contempt of Congress proceedings next week, which could lead to a Justice Department prosecution. “No one’s accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions,” Comer stated, referencing Bill Clinton’s past friendship with Epstein.
Although Clinton has never faced allegations related to Epstein, Republicans are focusing on their past relationship as they seek clarity on Epstein’s activities. The Clintons have expressed their willingness to provide any information they possess, acknowledging Epstein’s crimes as “horrific.”
Subpoenas and Presidential Precedents
Historically, former presidents have not been compelled to testify before Congress. This precedent was highlighted in 2022 when Donald Trump contested a subpoena related to the Capitol riot, which was eventually withdrawn by the committee.
Comer indicated that President Trump would not be compelled to testify in the Epstein investigation, citing the inability to subpoena a sitting president. Trump had previously ended his friendship with Epstein before allegations of abuse emerged.
While Comer framed the subpoena for the Clintons as bipartisan, the Oversight committee did not allow a vote from Democrats when adopting the subpoenas. The Justice Department has yet to fully comply with the committee’s request for Epstein files.
Push for Epstein Files
Legislators are pressing for the release of Epstein investigation documents. Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, in a letter to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, expressed concerns about the Justice Department’s non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The lawmakers suggested appointing an independent monitor to oversee the release of documents to prevent further trauma to survivors, citing the limited release of 12,000 out of 2 million documents as a “flagrant violation” of the law.
Maxwell, associated with Epstein, is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Recently, she requested overturning her conviction, alleging constitutional violations during her trial.
Judge Engelmayer has requested responses from the Justice Department and Maxwell concerning the lawmakers’ allegations by the end of the week.
