January 22, 2026

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated that Bill and Hillary Clinton are actively seeking a resolution with the House Oversight Committee regarding their subpoenas to testify about their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This declaration comes in the wake of a contentious vote by the committee that proposed the Clintons be held in contempt for not complying with the demands for their testimony.
Jeffries emphasized that the former president and former secretary of State are negotiating "in good faith" to finalize the details of their testimony. He criticized the contempt proceedings initiated by Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), labeling them as lacking credibility. According to Jeffries, the historical congressional practice has always been to allow room for negotiation under such circumstances, rather than moving directly to punitive measures.
The issue escalated when nine Democratic members of the Oversight Committee joined Republicans in a vote to recommend holding Bill Clinton in contempt, while three Democrats sided with the same recommendation for Hillary Clinton. This division highlights the complex dynamics at play within the committee as it investigates the affairs of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Further complicating matters, a spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee revealed that there has been no recent communication from the Clintons' legal team since the vote. This lack of dialogue raises questions about the progress of the negotiations and the potential for a resolution.
Before the committee's vote, Jeffries had called for opposition to the contempt recommendation. He pointed to the stance of key Democratic Representatives Robert Garcia of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who hold significant positions in the Oversight and Judiciary committees, respectively. Jeffries maintained his position against the contempt measure and suggested that a broader discussion within the caucus might be necessary should the issue escalate to a full floor vote.
As the situation unfolds, the political ramifications of the Clintons' testimonies could have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader landscape of American politics and justice. The coming days will likely see increased scrutiny and debate as all parties strive to navigate this high-stakes inquiry.