The House Oversight Committee has escalated its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, threatening former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with contempt of Congress if they fail to appear for depositions.

A House Oversight Committee spokeswoman said Friday that the Clintons have not confirmed their attendance to testify. The committee has scheduled the couple to testify next week, with Bill Clinton on Jan. 13 and Hillary on Jan. 14. 

“They are obligated under the law to appear and we expect them to do so,” the spokeswoman said. “If the Clintons do not appear for their depositions, the House Oversight Committee will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings.” 

A criminal contempt citation is a misdemeanor that can lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail if pursued by the Department of Justice. 

The subpoenas seek information regarding the Clintons’ personal interactions with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, including documented flights on Epstein’s private jet. 

The Clintons were originally slated to testify in December 2025, but their attorney, David Kendall, cited a funeral as the reason for their inability to attend at that time. 

Kendall previously argued that his clients could provide written answers as a more “efficient and equitable” alternative, but Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) rejected the request and insisted on in-person testimony. 

The motion to subpoena was approved by the Federal Law Enforcement subcommittee in July 2025 and included directions to also subpoena James Comey, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, Robert Mueller, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales.