Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows a prolonged standoff between the Clintons and the House Oversight Committee, which had threatened to hold them in contempt for their unwillingness to appear before the panel.
Bill Clinton, who had limited contact with Epstein, denied any knowledge of his criminal activities and claimed he severed ties two decades ago. He is scheduled for a deposition on February 27, while Hillary will testify on February 26.
This marks the first occasion since 1983 that a former U.S. president will provide testimony to a congressional panel. The House Oversight Committee has requested that the depositions be filmed and transcribed without time restrictions.
Despite initial refusals, the Clintons expressed their willingness to comply under the condition that their testimonies be recorded. Both have consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein's abuse and stated they provided all available information to the committee.
In their past interactions with the committee, the Clintons characterized the subpoenas as politically motivated, aimed at embarrassing their political rivals. Notably, neither has been accused of misconduct related to Epstein's actions, and Hillary Clinton stated she never met Epstein during her public life.
With their agreement to testify, the Oversight Committee's consideration of contempt charges has been postponed, allowing for a clearer understanding of the Clintons' forthcoming statements.
Bill Clinton, who had limited contact with Epstein, denied any knowledge of his criminal activities and claimed he severed ties two decades ago. He is scheduled for a deposition on February 27, while Hillary will testify on February 26.
This marks the first occasion since 1983 that a former U.S. president will provide testimony to a congressional panel. The House Oversight Committee has requested that the depositions be filmed and transcribed without time restrictions.
Despite initial refusals, the Clintons expressed their willingness to comply under the condition that their testimonies be recorded. Both have consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein's abuse and stated they provided all available information to the committee.
In their past interactions with the committee, the Clintons characterized the subpoenas as politically motivated, aimed at embarrassing their political rivals. Notably, neither has been accused of misconduct related to Epstein's actions, and Hillary Clinton stated she never met Epstein during her public life.
With their agreement to testify, the Oversight Committee's consideration of contempt charges has been postponed, allowing for a clearer understanding of the Clintons' forthcoming statements.
