Bill and Hillary Clinton have changed their minds and agree to be heard before the US Congress in the Epstein case
Bill and Hillary Clinton. Credit: Pool/ABACA / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Former US President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who led US diplomacy and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2016, will testify in a congressional investigation into former US financier accused and convicted of multiple sex crimes, Jeffrey Epstein, a staff member said on Monday, according to Reuters.
The decision could prevent a planned vote in the Republican-led House of Representatives, as the couple were targeted by congressional obstruction of justice proceedings over their earlier refusal to appear, which could lead to criminal charges.
The US Justice Department's recent release of millions of internal documents related to Epstein revealed the financier, who died in prison,'s ties to many prominent figures in politics, finance, academia and business, both before and after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of soliciting sex from a minor.
Asked whether the House would uphold the defiance votes against the Clintons, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Reuters: “It's being worked on right now. Lawyers are going over the details.”
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Johnson previously welcomed the news that the former president and former secretary of state had agreed to testify.
The House Oversight Committee recommended last week that the Clintons be charged with contempt for refusing to testify about their relationship with Epstein.
The Clintons have offered to cooperate with the commission but have declined to appear in person, saying the investigation is a partisan effort to protect Republican President Donald Trump.
“They told you under oath what they know, but you don't care. But the former president and the former secretary of state will be there. They are looking forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,” Angel Urena, the Clintons' deputy chief of staff, said on social media.
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Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's plane several times in the early 2000s after he left office. He expressed regret about the relationship and said he knew nothing about Epstein's criminal activity.
Republican U.S. Representative James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said Monday that the Clintons had not set a date for their depositions and that he would discuss next steps with members of the committee.
“The Clintons' attorneys have said they agree to the terms, but they are still unclear and have not provided any dates for depositions,” Comer said.
“I will clarify the terms I agree to and then discuss the next steps with my committee members.”
