In brief
Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify about their connections with Jeffrey Epstein as part of a congressional inquiry. This decision arrives after a prolonged refusal and the potential for criminal contempt charges. Bill Clinton's deposition is scheduled for February 27, while Hillary Clinton will testify a day earlier. Both maintain that they were unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and aim to clarify their involvement before Congress.
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 agreement comes just days before a vote on whether to hold the couple in criminal contempt for refusing to appear before the House Oversight Committee after months of standoff.
Bill Clinton was familiar with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, but he has denied any knowledge of Epstein's illicit activities and stated that he ceased all contact two decades ago.
Former President Clinton is scheduled to appear for a deposition on February 27, while former Secretary Clinton will testify the day prior.
This marks a significant moment in congressional history, as it will be the first time a former US president testifies before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did in 1983.
The House Oversight Committee has requested that the depositions be filmed and transcribed without any time limitations.
Chairman James Comer of the House Oversight Committee expressed the committee's commitment to fairness, stating, Republicans and Democrats on the Oversight Committee have been clear: no one is above the law - and that includes the Clintons.
Initially resistant to the committee's request for testimony, the Clintons had previously submitted sworn statements, claiming they had provided the pertinent information. They referred to the hearings as politically motivated attacks directed at them by the Trump administration.
The committee, which is primarily Republican, voted to hold the Clintons in contempt last month with some bipartisan support.
On Saturday, the Clintons' lawyers proposed limited testimony, leading to concerns that Bill Clinton might evade questions. However, on Monday evening, communication from Clinton's Deputy Chief of Staff confirmed their commitment to appear.
Despite neither Clinton being accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein, they strongly deny any awareness of his criminal conduct. Hillary Clinton has publicly stated she never spoke to or met Epstein.
The investigation's next steps are still unfolding, with the Oversight Committee delaying their consideration of contempt resolutions as they seek clarification from the Clintons.
