GOP is demanding answers now!
House Republicans are moving closer to a dramatic escalation in their investigation into convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein—an effort that could place former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in direct conflict with Congress.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, says the panel will begin contempt of Congress proceedings next week after Bill Clinton declined to testify under subpoena. Comer has also warned that Hillary Clinton could face similar action if she fails to appear as requested.
“We Just Have Questions”
Speaking to reporters, Comer emphasized that the committee is not alleging criminal wrongdoing.
“No one is accusing President Clinton of a crime,” Comer said. “But when Congress issues a subpoena, people are expected to show up. We simply have questions.”
The subpoenas stem from a bipartisan vote last summer by a House Oversight subcommittee reviewing how federal agencies handled the Epstein case. Ten individuals connected to Epstein were subpoenaed, including former Attorney General William Barr and former FBI Director James Comey.
Clinton Lawyers Push Back
Attorneys for the Clintons have rejected the subpoenas as invalid and politically motivated, arguing they lack a legitimate legislative purpose. In letters to the committee, they compared the investigation to past congressional overreach and warned that contempt proceedings would be an unprecedented use of congressional power.
The Clintons later accused Comer of ignoring what they described as controversial actions by the Trump administration while focusing on them instead—claims Republicans on the committee strongly dispute.
Republicans Cite Epstein Ties
Comer and other Oversight Republicans argue that the Clintons’ past interactions with Epstein justify congressional scrutiny. They point to visitor logs showing Epstein visited the White House multiple times during the Clinton presidency, as well as flight records indicating Bill Clinton traveled aboard Epstein’s private plane after leaving office.
“When there’s that level of contact, Congress has a duty to ask questions,” Comer said.
Republicans also criticized Democrats on the committee for publicly calling for transparency while failing to press witnesses to testify.
Epstein Files and Trump Comparison
The Clinton team has publicly called on the US Department of Justice to release all remaining Epstein-related documents, arguing that selective disclosures raise concerns about favoritism or protection.
Some previously released materials referenced Bill Clinton, while making limited mention of President Donald Trump. Comer noted that Congress cannot compel testimony from a sitting president, but said Trump has repeatedly answered questions about his past interactions with Epstein.
“President Trump answers questions,” Comer said. “We’re just asking for the same transparency.”
What Happens Next?
The Oversight Committee is expected to formally initiate contempt proceedings during a markup session next week. Even so, some Republicans caution that contempt votes do not always lead to enforcement.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) summed it up bluntly: “The Clintons have a way of avoiding consequences.”
As the investigation moves forward, the clash highlights a broader debate in Washington—whether powerful political figures are truly held to the same standards as everyone else, and whether Congress is willing to enforce its own authority.
