Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reacts as she speaks on Day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024. REUTERS/Callaghan O'hare
(Washington, DC) – A resurfaced video clip of Hillary Clinton saying she has no ties to Jeffrey Epstein and isn’t worried about files being released is gaining renewed attention — just as she now faces a potential contempt vote in Congress.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is expected to vote next week on whether to hold Clinton in contempt after she defied a subpoena and failed to appear Wednesday morning for a scheduled deposition tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The move follows former President Bill Clinton’s refusal the day before to comply with a congressional subpoena and sit for an interview with lawmakers.
Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said lawmakers had spent months negotiating with the Clintons’ legal team before issuing the subpoenas.
“I think what’s most disappointing to the Oversight Committee is the fact that we have, in good faith, negotiated with the Clintons’ attorney for five months,” Comer told reporters. “We felt like Hillary Clinton could offer some information on [Epstein associate Ghislaine] Maxwell.”
Comer said the panel plans to vote on contempt for both Clintons during a markup session next Wednesday, with the measure then heading to the full House. A contempt vote can range from symbolic to criminal, depending on whether the Justice Department chooses to pursue enforcement.
In a public letter sent Tuesday, the Clintons argued the subpoenas were invalid and claimed the effort was politically motivated, designed to embarrass them and potentially lead to prison. They also said they had already provided Congress with any information they possess regarding Epstein, the late convicted sex offender with whom Bill Clinton had documented interactions.
Comer also confirmed the committee intends to depose Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence in Texas for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Lawmakers previously suggested Maxwell would not cooperate, and her legal team has indicated she is likely to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights.
The renewed scrutiny comes as public interest in the Epstein files intensifies — and as questions mount over who will ultimately comply with congressional subpoenas in the expanding investigation.
