

In a significant escalation, the Republican leading the House Oversight Committee, Rep. James Comer, has turned down a proposal from former President Bill Clinton to partake in a transcribed interview as part of an investigation into the business dealings of Jeffrey Epstein. The denial, announced on Monday, intensifies the likelihood of both Bill and Hillary Clinton facing a contempt of Congress vote. The House is prepping for a potential vote this week on serious charges that could impose fines or even jail time if the Clintons are found guilty. The committee’s decision marks a critical step in the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s associates, with Comer stating that only formal sworn depositions will satisfy the committee's legal subpoenas. Provisional details revealed that Bill Clinton offered to sit for a four-hour questioning session about his and others’ connections with Epstein, while Hillary Clinton provided an affidavit. Comer's public remarks affirm the committee's stance, stating, "The Clintons cannot unilaterally set the conditions for complying with congressional subpoenas." Last month, in a contentious but bipartisan decision, the panel decided to proceed with contempt charges against the Clintons, securing support from some Democrats who joined their Republican counterparts. This decision has reignited interest in Bill Clinton's historical association with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s, though no allegations have been formally levelled against Clinton regarding misconduct. The Clintons, through their legal representation, had previously contested the subpoenas issued in August, seeking to negotiate terms amid threats of contempt proceedings. However, Comer maintains that political biases are at play, focusing on holding the Clintons accountable while, according to the Clintons, overlooking alleged process delays tied to Epstein-related documents from the Trump administration. As proceedings progress, the Clintons accuse Comer of exploiting the investigation for political gains.