WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are set to appear later this month for filmed, transcribed depositions before the House Oversight Committee as part of a congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, committee chair James Comer confirmed. The agreement follows months of legal standoff and comes just days before lawmakers were expected to vote on holding the Clintons in criminal contempt of Congress.
The depositions, scheduled for Feb. 26 (Hillary Clinton) and Feb. 27 (Bill Clinton), cap protracted negotiations between the Clintons’ legal team and House Republicans. Subpoenas were issued in July 2025, and the committee had signaled it would escalate enforcement after rejecting a proposal for a four-hour transcribed interview in New York. Comer called that offer “unreasonable,” ultimately securing the broader format the panel sought: on-camera testimony under oath with full transcripts.
What the Agreement Changes
By agreeing to appear, the Clintons temporarily defuse the immediate threat of contempt proceedings and potential criminal referrals. The House Rules Committee, which had been preparing to advance contempt resolutions, paused those steps once the deal was finalized. Committee aides say the format is designed to preserve a complete record as investigators review a multi-million-page trove of documents released by the Justice Department that reference Epstein and his network.
Scope of the Inquiry
The Oversight Committee’s investigation spans Epstein’s relationships with political figures, financiers, and institutions, focusing on accountability, transparency, and the handling of evidence tied to the late financier’s activities. While Bill Clinton has acknowledged past contact with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, he has denied knowledge of any criminal conduct. Hillary Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
A Clinton spokesperson said the couple “look forward to cooperating” and emphasized the need for consistent standards across witnesses. Republicans argue the depositions are essential to establish a factual timeline and assess whether additional legislative or oversight actions are warranted.
Political and Legal Implications
The episode underscores the expanding reach of congressional oversight and the leverage committees wield through subpoenas and contempt powers. It also places renewed attention on how high-profile witnesses navigate compliance amid partisan tensions. Lawmakers from both parties have cautioned that the process may extend beyond the February sessions, depending on testimony and follow-up requests.
FAQs
Why are the Clintons testifying now?
They reached an agreement with the House Oversight Committee to avoid imminent contempt of Congress votes after months of negotiations.
Will the depositions be public?
They are filmed and transcribed, but public release—if any—will be at the committee’s discretion.
Are the Clintons accused of crimes in this probe?
No criminal charges have been announced against either Clinton in connection with the investigation.
What does the committee want to learn?
Investigators aim to clarify timelines, contacts, and institutional responses related to Jeffrey Epstein’s network.
Could there be follow-up testimony?
Yes. Committees often request additional sessions or documents depending on testimony and findings.
Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2itol6xtloc
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