Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) A committee in the House, under Republican leadership, has suggested holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress. This recommendation intensifies the ongoing conflict surrounding their non-compliance with congressional deposition requests related to the contentious investigation of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

During a session held on Wednesday (local time), the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee passed individual contempt reports for both Clintons, highlighting their disregard for subpoenas that demanded their testimony.

The committee's vote was 34–8 for Bill Clinton's report, with two members voting present, while Hillary Clinton's report passed with a 28–15 vote, one member voting present.

The reports urge the House to adopt resolutions directing Speaker Mike Johnson to take “all appropriate action to enforce the subpoena,” potentially including a referral to the US Attorney for the District of Columbia for possible prosecution.

Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, expressed that the committee had provided flexibility regarding scheduling but faced delays and refusals. “Subpoenas are not mere suggestions. They carry the force of law and require compliance,” Comer stated, emphasizing that both Clintons were “legally required to appear” and did not do so.

The committee noted that the Clintons rejected proposed deposition dates in mid-December due to a funeral and did not propose alternative dates in January.

A spokesperson for Bill Clinton took to social media, asserting that both the former president and the former secretary of state have been out of office for over a decade and had no substantial connection with Epstein for more than 20 years.

The spokesperson added that sworn statements were submitted and attempts were made to reach an agreement, but these were dismissed by Republicans.

If the full House endorses the contempt measures, it would be up to the Justice Department to determine whether to pursue criminal charges. The Trump administration has shown a readiness to initiate investigations against notable Democrats.

Democrats on the committee criticized this action as politically motivated. Ranking member Robert Garcia of California stated that while Democrats want Bill Clinton to respond to inquiries, they advocate for continued negotiations for a recorded interview, noting that accommodations had been granted to other witnesses.

Garcia also attempted to redirect attention to the Justice Department's delayed release of Epstein-related documents mandated by legislation passed last year, accusing the administration of non-compliance with that statute.