Chairman James Comer of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has rejected an offer from attorneys representing Bill and Hillary Clinton regarding upcoming contempt of Congress proceedings. The Clintons’ legal team proposed that only the Chairman and Ranking Member of the committee travel to New York to meet privately with former President Bill Clinton, limiting staff participation and prohibiting an official transcript of the discussion.
Comer responded in a statement: “The Clintons’ latest demands make clear they believe their last name entitles them to special treatment. The House Oversight Committee’s bipartisan subpoenas require the Clintons to appear for depositions that are under oath and transcribed. Former President Clinton has a documented history of parsing language to evade questions, responded falsely under oath, and was impeached and suspended from the practice of law as a result.”
He further criticized the request for no official transcript: “The absence of an official transcript is an indefensible demand that is insulting to the American people who demand answers about Epstein’s crimes. As part of our investigation, the House Oversight Committee has released transcripts of interviews with former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, which has provided much needed transparency to the public. Without a formal record, Americans would be left to rely on competing accounts of what was said.”
Comer emphasized that Hillary Clinton’s testimony is essential due to her experience as Secretary of State, her knowledge related to federal efforts against international sex-trafficking rings, her personal acquaintance with Ghislaine Maxwell, and her family’s connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
“The House Oversight Committee rejects the Clintons’ unreasonable demands and will move forward with contempt resolutions on Wednesday due to their continued defiance of lawful subpoenas,” Comer stated.
More information can be found at Chairman Comer's announcement regarding markup of resolutions to hold Clintons in contempt (https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-announces-markup-of-resolutions-to-hold-clintons-in-contempt-of-congress/).
