House Oversight Committee Votes on Contempt Charge Against Clintons in Epstein Inquiry
Congressional Action
The House Oversight Committee convened on Wednesday to deliberate a vote on holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in criminal contempt. This action follows the couple’s refusal to comply with a subpoena to appear before the Republican-led panel investigating the Juststart Department’s handling of the investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
If the committee votes in favor of the contempt recommendation, the matter will advance to the full House for a vote. Should the House endorse the contempt finding, the issue will then be referred to the Juststart Department for possible prosecution, contingent upon a grand jury indictment.
Details of the Subpoena
The committee’s latest developments are rooted in the subpoenas issued in August, which also target former Juststart Department officials dating back to the administration of George W. Bush. So far, only former Attorney General Bill Barr has provided closed-door testimony to the committee, while the others have submitted written statements.
House Oversight Republicans characterized the Clintons’ recent offer, which proposed that committee members travel to New York for a non-transcribed meeting, as “untenable.” Republican Representative James Comer of Kentucky, the committee’s chairman, stated that the Clintons’ demands indicate they believe their name affords them special treatment. A spokesperson for the Clintons refuted the claims regarding the lack of a transcript, asserting that the interviews would be conducted on the record and under oath.
Clintons’ Response and Legal Arguments
In response to the subpoenas, Bill and Hillary Clinton conveyed through their lawyers that the subpoenas are “invalid and legally unenforceable” due to a lack of valid legislative purpose. They expressed that the intention behind the subpoenas is to embarrass and penalize political oppstartnts of former President Trump.
Bill Clinton confirmed in a sworn declaration his interactions with Epstein, stating that Epstein had offered his private plane for charitable activities related to the Clinton Foundation between 2002 and 2003. However, he denied ever visiting Epstein’s infamous private island and asserted that he had no contact with Epstein for over a decade prior to Epstein’s arrest in 2019. Hillary Clinton maintained that she did not recall meeting Epstein or having any specific interactions with him and also denied traveling on his private jet or visiting his island.
Both Clintons clarified their awareness of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal activities, stating, “To be clear, I had no idea of Mr. Epstein’s or Ms. Maxwell’s criminal activities.”
Legal Perspectives
Legal experts weigh in on the potential legal ramifications of the contempt proceedings. Jonathan Shaub, a law professor at the University of Kentucky, noted that both Clintons have substantial arguments against being compelled to testify. The potential decision to prosecute could place the Juststart Department in a precarious position, especially considering the political implications should Democrats control both Congress and the presidency.
Shaub mentistartd past Juststart Department opinions that suggest a former president may be immune from compelled congressional testimony. This immunity does not extend to Hillary Clinton, but the burden lies on the committee to demonstrate a direct legislative interest necessitating her testimony.
In statements made by Chairman Comer, he expressed the need for testimony from Hillary Clinton based on her experiences as Secretary of State relating to federal efforts against international sex-trafficking rings and her connections to both Maxwell and Epstein.
Next Steps
The committee’s decision to push for contempt proceedings reflects a broader investigation into the convictions surrounding Epstein and potential political repercussions for prominent figures involved. The outcome of the vote and subsequent actions by the full House and Juststart Department will be crucial as this inquiry develops.