House Oversight Panel Votes to Hold Bill Clinton in Contempt as Democrats Split Over Epstein Probe
House Oversight Committee voted Wednesday to advance contempt-of-Congress recommendations after Bill and Hillary Clinton refused subpoenas to give closed‑door depositions in the Jeffrey Epstein probe — the panel voted 34–8 to recommend contempt for Bill Clinton (with nine Democrats joining Republicans) and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton (with three Democrats joining). The Clintons’ lawyers called the subpoenas “invalid and legally unenforceable” and offered written declarations or limited interviews instead, while Democrats were sharply divided over whether to back the GOP move; the measures now head to the full House and could be referred to DOJ.
📌 Key Facts
- The House Oversight Committee voted to advance contempt-of-Congress recommendations against Bill and Hillary Clinton after both declined closed-door deposition subpoenas in the bipartisan Jeffrey Epstein probe; committee tallies were 34–8 for Bill Clinton (two present) and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton (one present), with nine Democrats joining Republicans on Bill’s measure and three Democrats joining on Hillary’s.
- Bill Clinton did not appear for his scheduled Jan. 13 deposition (after an earlier postponement) and Hillary Clinton did not appear for her scheduled Jan. 14 deposition; Chair James Comer had warned he would pursue contempt if they failed to appear and said the committee requires under-oath, transcribed depositions.
- The Clintons’ lawyers sent a Jan. 12 letter and sworn written declarations calling the subpoenas “invalid and legally unenforceable,” saying the Clintons had already provided the limited information they possess, and offering alternatives (written statements, a limited New York interview with only chair and ranking member, and other negotiated timing) that Comer rejected as insufficient or special treatment.
- The contempt recommendations will be sent to the full House and could lead to criminal prosecution by the Justice Department; criminal contempt is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine, though floor passage and any prosecution are uncertain given political and legal questions.
- The committee frames the subpoenas as part of a broader investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and DOJ’s handling of the case, arguing Bill Clinton may have “firsthand information” relevant to understanding Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s influence-seeking and to shaping anti‑trafficking and ethics reforms.
- The probe includes other witnesses and actions: the committee has authority to subpoena Les Wexner and Epstein estate executors, has scheduled a Feb. 9 virtual interview with Ghislaine Maxwell (whose lawyers say she will invoke the Fifth), and has criticized DOJ for delays in releasing millions of Epstein‑related records.
- The votes exposed an intra‑Democratic split: some Democrats said they would consider or voted for contempt to prioritize transparency and their districts’ interests, while House Democratic leadership (including Hakeem Jeffries) urged opposition; ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia privately told members to vote their conscience, and senior Democrats expect only a modest number of Democratic floor votes for contempt.
📰 Source Timeline (28)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
January 22, 2026
12:15 AM
"Total miscalculation": Inside Democrats' shock revolt on holding Bill Clinton in contempt
New information:
- The House Oversight Committee voted 34–8 to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a deposition in the Epstein investigation, with nine Democrats joining Republicans.
- In a separate vote, only three Democrats joined Republicans to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt, while 15 Democrats voted no and one voted present, showing a far weaker appetite to sanction her.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries actively whipped against the contempt resolution, but ranking member Robert Garcia privately told Democrats to vote their conscience, and several ignored leadership pressure.
- Rep. Lateefah Simon publicly said she 'voted my conscience and I voted my district' for contempt and expects to back it again on the floor, while Rep. Stephen Lynch argued there is 'plenty of evidence' Bill Clinton may have useful Epstein information.
- Clintons’ lawyers personally lobbied committee Democrats to oppose contempt and argued they should be allowed to answer in writing, as some ex–FBI directors and attorneys general were, but the committee rejected that.
- Jeffries is now undecided on whether to formally whip against contempt on the House floor, and senior Democrats expect only 12–15 of their members to back it in the full chamber.
January 21, 2026
9:53 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before House committee investigating handling of Epstein case
New information:
- Ghislaine Maxwell has agreed to appear before the House Oversight Committee and is scheduled for a virtual deposition on Feb. 9.
- Chairman James Comer says Maxwell’s lawyers have indicated she will invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions.
- A July 2025 bid by Maxwell to trade testimony for immunity was rejected by the committee, and a legal summons compelling her testimony was issued in August.
- Maxwell’s lawyers sent a letter calling the proceeding 'pure political theater' and warning the committee will get 'no testimony, no answers, and no new facts.'
- The committee will also discuss whether Bill and Hillary Clinton should be held in contempt for refusing to appear in the Epstein investigation.
9:30 PM
House Oversight panel votes to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress
New information:
- Clarifies that the Clintons refused to appear for scheduled closed-door depositions last week and asserted the subpoenas were legally invalid, saying they had already shared the 'little information' they know.
- Details Democratic arguments that other subpoenaed former attorneys general (Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Jeff Sessions, Merrick Garland) were not held in contempt, and notes Comer’s rebuttal that they provided written testimony and recalled no relevant information.
- Reports that Democrats say Bill Clinton has offered alternative formats to cooperate and that they accuse Republicans of ignoring DOJ’s own failures to comply with a legal mandate to release Epstein investigative files.
- Adds that the committee has scheduled a Feb. 9 virtual interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, now in federal prison, and that Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear separately as part of the Epstein probe.
- Highlights the explicit intra‑Democratic split, with some members prioritizing transparency in the Epstein case over defending the Clintons, while others frame the move as partisan score‑settling.
9:18 PM
House panel votes to hold Clintons in contempt in Epstein investigation
New information:
- Confirms the committee votes were 34–8 for Bill Clinton and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton to advance contempt resolutions to the full House.
- Details that Bill and Hillary Clinton offered written sworn declarations on Jan. 12 stating they were unaware of Epstein or Maxwell’s involvement in child sex trafficking or abuse when they knew them, and that Bill Clinton says he first learned of allegations years after leaving office.
- Reveals the Clintons’ lawyers offered a last‑minute, limited in‑person interview in New York with only the chair and ranking member, which Comer rejected as "unreasonable."
- Includes the Clintons’ public letter accusing Comer of pursuing a process "literally designed to result in our imprisonment" and arguing the subpoenas lack legitimate legislative purpose.
- Quotes Comer framing their testimony as "critical" to understanding Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network, how he sought influence, and how Congress might strengthen anti‑trafficking laws.
9:17 PM
House committee votes to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms that the House Oversight Committee votes were bipartisan, with some Democrats joining Republicans and some progressives explicitly backing 'full transparency' on Epstein even at the Clintons’ expense.
- Details that the contempt resolutions are framed as the first step toward possible criminal prosecution by DOJ that could, in theory, carry prison time and substantial fines for the Clintons.
- Reports that Comer rejected a Clinton legal team offer for Bill Clinton to be interviewed in New York by Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia with staff present, signaling failed last‑minute negotiations for a compromise.
- Adds that longtime Clinton lawyer David Kendall has been seeking an 'off‑ramp' in private, including raising the possibility of holiday‑time testimony, suggesting the Clintons are looking for a negotiated path to cooperation.
- Notes the Clintons’ public argument that the subpoenas are invalid and their criticism that Comer is targeting them while DOJ is behind on releasing Epstein case files, highlighting their legal and political counter‑narrative.
8:42 PM
House takes step closer to referring Clintons for criminal charges with Democratic support
New information:
- The House Oversight Committee has now voted to advance separate contempt‑of‑Congress recommendations for Bill and Hillary Clinton after they declined to appear for depositions in the Epstein probe.
- Vote tallies: 34–8 (with two present) in favor of recommending contempt for Bill Clinton, and 28–15 (with one present) for Hillary Clinton.
- Nine Democrats joined Republicans in advancing the Bill Clinton contempt recommendation, and three Democrats joined Republicans on the Hillary Clinton contempt recommendation.
- Comer says the Clintons offered to let him interview them alone in New York without an official transcript, an offer he rejected as 'insulting' and 'special treatment.'
- The Clintons’ attorney labeled the subpoenas 'invalid and legally unenforceable' and claimed they lacked a legitimate legislative purpose, while offering the alternative interview arrangement.
6:56 PM
House committee to vote on holding Clintons in contempt in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms the vote is scheduled for Wednesday (this week) and frames it as a pending decision rather than just an internal meeting.
- Reiterates that the contempt would be criminal contempt tied specifically to Bill and Hillary Clinton’s refusal to appear before the panel.
- Links the contempt effort explicitly to the committee’s investigation of the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
4:23 PM
Key House committee to decide whether to hold Clintons in contempt over Epstein investigation
New information:
- CBS segment reiterates that the House Oversight Committee is preparing to decide whether to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in criminal contempt for failing to appear for Epstein-related testimony.
- Confirms the committee’s next step is a formal decision point, not just drafting or threatening contempt.
3:28 PM
WATCH LIVE: House Oversight panel meets to review resolutions holding Clintons in contempt
New information:
- House Oversight Committee is formally meeting Wednesday to review and prepare contempt of Congress charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.
- Comer says the committee has been negotiating for about five months and now considers 'time's up' after the Clintons refused to comply with subpoenas for testimony.
- The Clintons, through attorney David Kendall, have floated offers including Christmas‑time testimony and a proposal for a Comer–Garcia staff interview in New York, which Comer rejected.
- The article emphasizes that contempt could lead to criminal prosecution by DOJ with potential fines and incarceration, but notes passage on the House floor is uncertain given the GOP’s slim majority.
- The Clintons argue the subpoenas lack a valid legislative purpose, say they did not know of Epstein’s abuse, and have offered written declarations instead of in‑person testimony.
1:11 PM
Democrats dodge questions as House GOP prepares contempt votes against the Clintons
New information:
- Rep. Ro Khanna says the House should prioritize forcing DOJ to release the Epstein files before calling in the Clintons to testify, and calls it 'premature' to bring them in before that happens.
- Khanna declines to say how he will vote on contempt, instead reiterating that the Clintons should testify after files are released.
- Rep. Suhas Subramanyam signals he has not decided how he will vote and says he wants to see how Republicans handle 'all of the other people who have not complied completely' with the committee, suggesting concern that contempt is being used in a partisan way.
- The article notes that of the 10 original subpoena targets, only Bill Barr has appeared in person so far (with Alex Azar deposed under a separate subpoena), yet Republicans have pursued contempt only against the Clintons.
- Fox reports that multiple requests for comment to the remaining 19 Democrats on the committee, including ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, went unanswered, underscoring a broader Democratic reluctance to go on record before the vote.
11:00 AM
House Oversight to vote on holding Clintons in contempt in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms the House Oversight Committee has formally scheduled the contempt markup for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Washington.
- Details the back‑and‑forth over an 'untenable offer' from the Clintons’ lawyers for Bill Clinton to meet Comer and the ranking Democrat in New York with staff but, according to Comer, without a transcript—an arrangement Comer rejected.
- Includes the Clintons’ sworn declarations describing Bill Clinton’s use of Epstein’s plane for Clinton Foundation work between 2002 and 2003, his denial that he ever visited Epstein’s private island, and both Clintons’ statements that they had no knowledge of Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal activity.
- Quotes a legal expert (Jonathan Shaub) saying both Clintons have strong arguments for why they should not be compelled to testify and questioning the subpoenas’ legislative purpose.
- Clarifies that, aside from Bill Barr’s closed‑door testimony, other former DOJ officials have only submitted written statements to the committee.
10:30 AM
Bill, Hillary Clinton at risk of contempt in House after snubbing Epstein depositions
New information:
- Confirms Bill Clinton refused to appear for his Jan. 13, 2026 deposition even after the committee postponed the date at his request by nearly a month.
- Details that the committee initially subpoenaed Bill Clinton for Oct. 14, 2025 and Hillary Clinton for Oct. 9, 2025, and that they are the only two of 10 subpoenaed witnesses currently facing contempt threats.
- Quotes directly from the committee’s contempt findings asserting Bill Clinton has 'firsthand information' about Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s efforts to 'curry favor with influential individuals' and that his testimony could inform legislation on sex-trafficking and ethics reforms.
- Notes that the contempt resolutions, if approved by committee, would send the contempt question to the full House for consideration.
10:00 AM
Comer dares Democrats to advance Clinton contempt of Congress resolutions or 'be exposed as hypocrites'
New information:
- Comer’s prepared opening statement excerpts, including his line that Democrats must back contempt or 'be exposed as hypocrites.'
- Specific confirmation that the Oversight Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday to mark up contempt reports for both Clintons.
- Comer’s claim that the committee 'offered flexibility on scheduling' but faced 'defiance, marked by repeated delays, excuses, and obstruction.'
- Restatement that contempt passage in committee is expected largely along party lines, paving the way for a full House vote.
12:43 AM
Clinton spokesman lashes out at Comer over Epstein probe as contempt vote nears
New information:
- Bill Clinton deputy chief of staff Angel Ureña publicly claims the Clintons never said no to a transcript and accuses Chairman Comer of misrepresenting negotiations over testimony format.
- Comer says Clinton lawyers offered only a private conversation in New York with Bill Clinton, without an official transcript and without other members present, which he calls 'untenable' and 'ridiculous.'
- Comer reiterates that the bipartisan subpoenas require under‑oath, transcribed depositions and says the lack of a formal record would be 'indefensible' and 'insulting to the American people.'
- Rep. Brandon Gill tells Fox News the committee 'bent over backward' to accommodate the Clintons and says their refusal left no choice but to move toward contempt.
January 14, 2026
7:23 PM
GOP vows to hold both Clintons in contempt for skipping Epstein testimony
New information:
- This piece reiterates that House Republicans, led by Oversight Chair James Comer, intend to pursue contempt of Congress against both Bill and Hillary Clinton for failing to appear for scheduled closed‑door Epstein depositions.
- It underscores Republicans’ framing that the Clintons are flouting 'lawful subpoenas' while their attorneys maintain the demands are invalid and politically motivated.
- The article reinforces that contempt action is being prepared for near‑term consideration in the House as part of a broader GOP push around Epstein‑related disclosures.
6:07 PM
Rep. Comer says House is moving to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress
New information:
- CBS on‑air segment reiterates that Comer says the House 'will move' to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after they refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee about its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
- The piece frames the action specifically as a response to the Clintons’ refusal to appear, rather than to document‑production disputes.
4:24 PM
WATCH: Comer says contempt charges are coming after Clintons skipped Epstein probe depositions
New information:
- Hillary Rodham Clinton defied the House Oversight Committee subpoena on Wednesday and did not appear for her scheduled deposition.
- The Clintons sent a letter to Chairman James Comer this week calling the subpoenas 'legally invalid' and accusing the investigation of bias against them.
- Comer publicly stated he is planning to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against both Clintons next week.
3:11 PM
Bill, Hillary Clinton risk criminal contempt charges after defying House subpoenas in Epstein probe
New information:
- Hillary Clinton did not appear for her scheduled closed‑door House Oversight deposition on Wednesday in the Epstein probe, formally defying the subpoena.
- A committee source says the Oversight Committee will now begin contempt of Congress proceedings against Hillary Clinton in addition to Bill Clinton.
- Comer has already stated he is moving ahead with a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton after he skipped his Tuesday deposition, with a markup expected next week.
- The Clintons’ attorneys sent Comer a detailed letter arguing the subpoenas are 'invalid and legally unenforceable,' lack a valid legislative purpose, and constitute an 'unprecedented infringement on the separation of powers,' explicitly likening Comer’s conduct to McCarthy‑era abuses and noting Trump has publicly pushed for an investigation of Bill Clinton’s Epstein ties.
- The article reiterates that criminal contempt of Congress is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine, citing the prior Bannon and Navarro prosecutions as precedent.
12:21 AM
Dems leave door open to voting for Bill Clinton contempt measure
New information:
- Some House Democrats now say they are open to voting for a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton if he ignores the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein‑related subpoena.
- Axios details that Democratic members are sensitive to the political optics of appearing to shield the Clintons in an Epstein probe and are watching whether Clinton negotiates or defies the panel.
- The piece clarifies that Democratic leaders are not yet formally whipping against contempt, leaving rank‑and‑file free to support it depending on how Clinton responds to the subpoena.
January 13, 2026
10:58 PM
House Oversight Committee looks to hold Clintons in contempt for refusing to testify about Epstein
New information:
- CBS frames that both Bill and Hillary Clinton are currently refusing to appear before the House Oversight Committee in its Epstein investigation.
- The committee is actively "looking to" or preparing to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas, signaling the next procedural step rather than just a threatened response.
- The CBS report underlines that the refusals come despite formal subpoenas and that committee leaders view contempt as the likely enforcement tool.
10:57 PM
Republicans say Clintons risk contempt of Congress for not testifying on Epstein
New information:
- The NPR piece emphasizes that Democrats on the Oversight Committee had agreed to the subpoenas as part of a broader list but note most other subpoenaed witnesses have not been forced to testify.
- It quotes the Clintons’ response letter more fully, including their argument that the subpoenas are 'legally invalid,' that they have already provided in writing what little they know, and that they see the effort as designed to embarrass political rivals.
- Constitutional law professor Jonathan Shaub warns that using subpoenas in cases with 'very little, if any, veneer of a legislative interest' could invite court rulings that weaken Congress’s overall contempt and oversight power.
- The article underscores that DOJ has missed the statutory deadline and still has not released millions of pages of Epstein‑related files, prompting public complaints from Oversight ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia.
7:13 PM
Early details after Bill Clinton skips Epstein deposition on Capitol Hill
New information:
- CBS confirms that Bill Clinton did not appear for his scheduled House Oversight deposition in the Epstein probe.
- The segment frames Clinton’s absence as an explicit refusal to testify as part of the committee’s ongoing Epstein investigation.
- Additional on‑the‑ground detail from CBS’ Hill correspondent about how the skip played out procedurally (e.g., no‑show on the day, next steps being discussed by members and staff).
5:01 PM
Clintons won't testify in Epstein probe as House Oversight GOP threatens contempt
New information:
- Clintons’ attorneys sent an eight-page Jan. 12 letter to Chairman James Comer stating Bill and Hillary Clinton will not appear, calling the subpoenas 'invalid and legally unenforceable' and lacking a valid legislative purpose.
- The letter characterizes the GOP effort as 'nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass' Trump’s political rivals and argues the Clintons have already voluntarily provided the limited Epstein/Maxwell information they possess.
- Comer told reporters the committee will move next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress and similar action is expected for Hillary Clinton.
- The article notes former presidents have never successfully been compelled to testify before Congress, though some have voluntarily answered committee questions, underscoring the constitutional gray area.
4:50 PM
Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein investigation
New information:
- PBS/AP piece confirms via the Clintons’ own letter that they will refuse to comply with the House Oversight Committee subpoenas and label them 'legally invalid.'
- Quotes the Clintons warning Comer that he is on the cusp of a process 'literally designed to result in our imprisonment,' underscoring how they are framing the standoff.
- Reports Comer’s on‑camera line that 'No one's accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions,' positioning the GOP narrative.
- Notes that Bill Clinton did not appear for his scheduled closed‑door deposition at House offices Tuesday and that Comer will begin contempt proceedings next week.
- Adds that Comer has explicitly said the committee will not try to compel testimony from sitting President Donald Trump, arguing Congress cannot force a sitting president to testify.
4:08 PM
Clintons refuse to give testimony on Jeffrey Epstein
New information:
- Confirms that both Bill and Hillary Clinton did not appear for their scheduled closed‑door depositions in the House Epstein investigation.
- Frames their non‑appearance as a refusal to testify, rather than just a scheduling delay, escalating the standoff with the committee.
- Strengthens the record that the Clintons remain in defiance of duly issued subpoenas, increasing likelihood of a formal contempt move.
3:16 PM
Bill Clinton defies congressional subpoena to appear in Jeffrey Epstein probe
New information:
- Bill Clinton was subpoenaed to sit for a sworn, closed‑door deposition before the House Oversight Committee at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the bipartisan Jeffrey Epstein probe.
- Fox News reporters did not see Clinton enter or exit the committee room around the scheduled time, and the article reports he 'appears' to have defied the subpoena by not showing up.
- Chairman James Comer had explicitly threatened to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings if Clinton failed to appear Tuesday.
January 08, 2026
12:23 PM
House Oversight Committee to subpoena Les Wexner, 2 others in Epstein investigation
New information:
- Confirms that the House Oversight Committee has secured authority to subpoena billionaire Les Wexner plus Epstein estate executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, per ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia.
- Notes that Wexner has previously faced congressional questioning over his relationship with Epstein but has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.
- Reiterates DOJ’s latest status update that roughly 12,285 Epstein-related documents (about 125,575 pages) have been released, with over 2 million potentially responsive records still under review and many expected to be duplicates.