Thu Jan 22 01:30:53 UTC 2026: Headline: House Republicans Move to Hold Clintons in Contempt Over Epstein Investigation

The Story:
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, House Republicans advanced a resolution to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress regarding the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The House Oversight Committee approved the charges, potentially leading to a full House vote and, if successful, a criminal prosecution by the Department of Justice. The Clintons are accused of defying subpoenas to testify before the committee.

Republicans, led by Rep. James Comer, assert that the Clintons have been uncooperative, while the Clintons maintain the subpoenas are invalid. Negotiations have been attempted, including an offer to have Rep. Comer and Rep. Robert Garcia interview Bill Clinton, which was rejected. The Clintons argue they have provided written declarations and that the Justice Department is behind schedule in releasing its Epstein case files.

Key Points:

  • The House Oversight Committee approved contempt of Congress charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.
  • The charges stem from the Clintons’ refusal to comply with subpoenas related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • Rep. James Comer, the committee chairman, accuses the Clintons of defiance.
  • The Clintons argue the subpoenas are invalid and that they lack relevant information about Epstein’s abuse.
  • Contempt of Congress can carry substantial fines and even incarceration.
  • Negotiations for testimony, including an offer to interview Bill Clinton, have failed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican-led House is escalating its investigation into connections between prominent figures and Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The pursuit of contempt charges against a former President and Secretary of State represents a highly contentious and potentially precedent-setting move.
  • The Clintons are attempting to navigate a complex legal and political situation, balancing cooperation with concerns about the validity and scope of the investigation.
  • The timing of the proceedings is complicated by the Justice Department’s delayed release of Epstein case files, raising questions about the completeness of available information.
  • The Democrats are not mounting a full-out defense of the Clintons, which demonstrates the sensitive nature of the Epstein investigation across the political spectrum.

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