Clintons consent to testify in Epstein inquiry as Congress weighs contempt vote

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed to testify in Congress. Lawmakers are investigating ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Their decision comes days before a possible contempt of Congress vote. The agreement ends a months-long standoff with the House Oversight Committee.

Congress considered holding the Clintons in criminal contempt for skipping earlier subpoenas. Republicans on the Oversight Committee pushed the measure with some Democratic support. The committee approved the contempt resolution late last month. The vote increased pressure for the Clintons to cooperate.

Bill Clinton acknowledged knowing Epstein but denied awareness of any criminal activity. He said he ended contact with Epstein more than twenty years ago. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial. Clinton has never faced accusations from Epstein’s abuse survivors.

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Move comes ahead of House vote after subpoenas and partisan dispute

A Clinton spokesperson confirmed the couple would testify before the committee. He said they negotiated honestly and already shared sworn statements. The Clintons argue they provided all relevant information available. They accused lawmakers of using subpoenas for partisan embarrassment.

Epstein flight records show Clinton traveled internationally on Epstein’s jet in 2002 and 2003. Photos also place Clinton at Epstein’s estate during that period. His spokesman said Clinton cut ties before Epstein’s crimes became public. The testimony will mark the first by a former president since 1983.

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