Committee Advances Contempt Resolutions Against Both Clintons The Republican‑led House Oversight Committee voted 34‑8 to hold former President Bill Clinton in contempt and 28‑15 to hold former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt, with nine and three Democrats joining Republicans respectively [1][2]. The measures now proceed to the full House, where a vote could trigger a referral to the Justice Department for possible criminal charges [1][2]. Lawmakers say the action is part of a broader effort to expose gaps that allowed Jeffrey Epstein to evade accountability [1].

Speaker Johnson Commits to Full‑House Vote Speaker Mike Johnson publicly pledged to bring the contempt resolutions to the floor, aligning with the committee chairman’s push for a formal decision [2]. Johnson’s backing raises the prospect of a legal confrontation over whether Congress can compel testimony from former officials [2]. The speaker’s stance underscores the partisan stakes of the investigation as the full chamber prepares to debate the measures [2].

Democratic Lawmakers Divided on Contempt Measures While a minority of Democrats supported the Bill Clinton contempt vote, fewer backed the Hillary Clinton resolution, reflecting internal disagreement over the appropriateness of subpoenas and written testimony [1][2]. Some Democrats argued that Hillary Clinton should have been allowed to provide a written statement rather than face a subpoena [2]. The split highlights the political calculus influencing each party’s approach to the Epstein probe [1][2].

Maxwell Deposition Scheduled While Clinton Negotiations Stall closed‑door deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell is set for February 9, where she is expected to invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer [2]. Clinton attorneys offered a limited interview with committee leaders, later suggesting staff could attend, but the proposals were rejected and negotiations collapsed [2]. The dispute over note‑taking procedures and interview format further fuels the contempt push [2].