The Clintons had previously refrained from appearing before Congress, expressing a willingness to cooperate but refusing to attend in person. They claimed that the committee chairman intended to conduct a process that has political undertones and is aimed at their criminal prosecution.
The oversight committee proposed to hold two Democrats accountable for contempt of Congress, which could lead to criminal consequences. If found guilty, they face up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
According to the NYT, a House vote on finding the Democrats in contempt is expected to take place in the coming days. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who approved the Clintons' agreement, did not clarify whether the previously scheduled vote would be canceled, Reuters reports.
During questioning, Epstein evaded answers to questions about his connections with Bill Clinton, whose name and photographs appear in the case materials. Investigators also did not receive an answer to the question of whether Clinton visited Epstein's island, where, according to the investigation, instances of sexual abuse of minors occurred.
