In the past, the Clintons refused to appear before Congress, although they expressed a willingness to cooperate, but did not want to be physically present. They claimed that the chairman of the oversight committee was seeking to conduct a process with political undertones that was "literally aimed at putting us in jail."
The oversight committee also recommended holding Democrats accountable for contempt of Congress, which could lead to criminal prosecution. This carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
A vote on the contempt of Congress charges against the two Democrats is scheduled for the coming days, sources tell the NYT. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who spoke positively about the Clintons' agreement, did not specify whether the planned vote would be canceled, according to Reuters.
Epstein declined to comment on his relationship with Bill Clinton during interrogations, whose name and photographs are included 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, sexual abuse of minors occurred.
