Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes just days before a Congressional vote on whether to hold them in criminal contempt for previously refusing to appear before the House Oversight Committee.
Bill Clinton was acquainted with Epstein but has consistently denied any knowledge of his crimes, claiming to have severed ties over two decades ago. He will testify on February 27, while Hillary Clinton is scheduled for February 26. It marks the first time a former president will testify before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983.
The House Oversight Committee has indicated they will film and transcribe the depositions without time limits. After months of resistance to testify - stating that they had already provided sworn statements about their limited knowledge on Epstein - the Clintons expressed willingness to comply, amid pressure from the committee.
The oversight committee, backed by both Republicans and Democrats, is adamant that no one is above the law, including the Clintons. The couple has denied allegations of wrongdoing or any direct involvement in Epstein's activities, with positions that their previous statements contain all relevant information.
Billy Clinton's spokesperson confirmed the negotiations leading to their testimonies, emphasizing the intent to provide a precedent for accountability among those connected to the investigation. As a noteworthy point, the sessions will be the first comprehensive disclosures involving the Clintons and Epstein, given their previous refusal to openly testify on the matter despite related inquiries.
Bill Clinton was acquainted with Epstein but has consistently denied any knowledge of his crimes, claiming to have severed ties over two decades ago. He will testify on February 27, while Hillary Clinton is scheduled for February 26. It marks the first time a former president will testify before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983.
The House Oversight Committee has indicated they will film and transcribe the depositions without time limits. After months of resistance to testify - stating that they had already provided sworn statements about their limited knowledge on Epstein - the Clintons expressed willingness to comply, amid pressure from the committee.
The oversight committee, backed by both Republicans and Democrats, is adamant that no one is above the law, including the Clintons. The couple has denied allegations of wrongdoing or any direct involvement in Epstein's activities, with positions that their previous statements contain all relevant information.
Billy Clinton's spokesperson confirmed the negotiations leading to their testimonies, emphasizing the intent to provide a precedent for accountability among those connected to the investigation. As a noteworthy point, the sessions will be the first comprehensive disclosures involving the Clintons and Epstein, given their previous refusal to openly testify on the matter despite related inquiries.
