Committee votes advance bipartisan contempt measures The Republican‑led House Oversight Committee approved contempt resolutions against former President Bill Clinton (34‑8) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (28‑15), with nine Democrats joining Republicans on the Bill Clinton vote and three Democrats joining on the Hillary Clinton vote; the measures now move to the full House for a floor decision [1][2][3][4]. Democratic split underscores partisan tension While most Republicans supported the actions, a minority of Democrats argued the subpoenas lacked a legitimate legislative purpose and urged exemptions or reduced charges [1][2][3][4]. Speaker backs floor consideration Speaker Mike Johnson publicly pledged to bring the resolutions to a full House vote, signaling potential escalation toward a DOJ referral [4].

Clinton team offers limited interview, committee rejects terms Bill Clinton’s lawyers proposed a New York interview limited to committee leaders, insisting on an official transcript of the discussion; the committee chair rejected the transcript condition and later dismissed a follow‑up offer allowing staff to attend but restricting note‑taking [1][2][4]. Negotiations stalled over note‑taking dispute GOP staff claimed the Clintons demanded a single staffer take notes, a point the Clintons’ spokesperson contested, further derailing compromise [4]. Lawyers label subpoenas unenforceable The Clintons maintain they have already provided all available Epstein‑related information and argue the subpoenas exceed congressional authority [1].

Maxwell subpoena and scheduled deposition intensify probe The committee issued a subpoena to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, and set a closed‑door deposition for February 9, where she is expected to invoke Fifth Amendment protections and decline substantive testimony [2][3][4]. Additional subpoenas target DOJ and Epstein estate bipartisan subpoena ordered the Justice Department and Epstein’s estate to release remaining files, many of which remain redacted or unreleased [2]. Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify Former Florida AG Pam Bondi is slated to appear before the House Judiciary Committee in February, expanding the investigation’s scope [2][3].

Potential DOJ referral could trigger misdemeanor prosecution If the full House adopts the contempt resolutions, the matter would be referred to the Justice Department, which could pursue misdemeanor charges punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and one year of incarceration [1][3]. Historical precedent underscores rarity No former president has ever been compelled to testify before Congress, making any enforcement action unprecedented and politically sensitive [3].