Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton will sit for transcribed depositions before the House Oversight Committee later this month after initially resisting subpoenas tied to the panel’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Committee Chairman James Comer said Tuesday that the pair accepted the panel’s terms following the threat of a contempt of Congress vote. The committee scheduled Hillary Clinton for February 26, 2026, and Bill Clinton for February 27, 2026.
In a letter to the committee, the Clintons asked for a public hearing, saying that format would address fairness concerns. A person familiar with the planning said the depositions will occur behind closed doors, consistent with standard committee practice for transcribed interviews. House leaders paused a planned contempt vote after the acceptance, pending confirmation that the appearances proceed as agreed.
How the standoff flipped
The committee had prepared to advance criminal contempt resolutions this week, arguing that both subpoenas were valid and enforceable. Over the weekend, attorneys for the Clintons proposed an alternative structure, including a four hour transcribed interview with Bill Clinton in New York limited to Epstein related topics and a sworn declaration from Hillary Clinton, with an in person session only if necessary and under matching conditions. Chairman Comer rejected that proposal as unreasonable.
On Monday night, counsel for the Clintons wrote that they would accept the committee’s terms and appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates. By Tuesday morning, the committee released the target dates and the House Rules Committee postponed consideration of contempt.
The turnaround came after weeks of escalating letters in which the Clintons had called the subpoenas invalid and vowed to fight them.
What the committee wants to cover
Investigators are examining contacts, travel, and communications related to Epstein, his associates, and any potential links to U.S. officials or policy decisions.
The panel has been collecting agency records and interviewing current and former officials about the handling of federal investigations, disclosure decisions, and the custody of digital material. Members say the transcripts from the Clintons will inform lines of inquiry about meetings, travel arrangements, and knowledge of Epstein’s activities over time.
Committee aides expect to ask about documentary materials surfaced in recent releases, prior public statements, and any direct or indirect interactions the Clintons had with Epstein or his circle. Transcribed depositions allow counsels and members to pose extended sequences of questions under oath, with fewer time constraints than a public hearing. A filmed record preserves tone and context for later review or publication.
Closed door depositions versus a public hearing
The Clintons requested a public forum, citing fairness and the ability to address allegations in full view of the public. The committee opted for standard practice, beginning with transcribed, filmed depositions in a private setting.
Lawmakers often choose this approach to avoid running clocks, speaking time limits, and cross talk that can obscure answers in open hearings.
Closed door interviews also let counsels confer and raise objections without derailing a broadcast proceeding. The committee can release transcripts later, often with limited redactions. If members determine that follow up is needed, they may invite witnesses to a public hearing after the initial depositions are complete.
