Comer threatens contempt if Clintons defy subpoenas
House Oversight Chair James Comer said Friday he will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton if they do not appear for depositions next week or set dates in early January, as part of the committee’s probe into federal handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The Clintons were subpoenaed in early August after a bipartisan subcommittee vote in July, with depositions scheduled for Dec. 17 and 18; Comer also noted additional subpoenas to DOJ for Epstein-related records.
📌 Key Facts
- House Oversight subpoenas to Bill and Hillary Clinton were issued in early August; depositions set for Dec. 17–18.
- James Comer warned Friday he will begin contempt proceedings if the Clintons do not appear or schedule dates in early January.
- The probe examines federal handling of the Epstein case; other subpoenaed figures include former attorneys general and FBI directors.
📊 Relevant Data
Bill Clinton flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet at least 17 times between 2002 and 2003, with flights to locations including Siberia, Morocco, China, Armenia, a U.S. Naval base in Japan, Miami, and New York.
Bill Clinton flew 17 times on Jeffrey Epstein's jets: Where and when? And Hillary's ties? — Palm Beach Post
In 2020, the average sentence for defendants convicted of sex trafficking in US federal cases was 156 months (13 years).
2020 Federal Human Trafficking Report — Human Trafficking Institute
In active federal sex trafficking cases in 2020, 98% of the 1,370 identified victims were female, while females comprise approximately 50.8% of the US population.
2020 Federal Human Trafficking Report — Human Trafficking Institute
In fiscal year 2022, 53% of the 203 defendants charged with peonage, slavery, forced labor, and sex trafficking in US district courts were Black, compared to Black people comprising approximately 13.6% of the US population.
Human Trafficking Data Collection Activities, 2024 — Bureau of Justice Statistics
In active federal sex trafficking cases in 2020, 55% of the 1,370 identified victims were children under 18 years old.
2020 Federal Human Trafficking Report — Human Trafficking Institute