Clinton’s refuse to appear for congressional depositions, will they face contempt?

By Easton Martin | January 14, 2026

Bill and Hillary Clinton have declined to appear for congressional depositions after being subpoenaed in an investigation tied to Jeffrey Epstein and the government’s handling of his case. Their decision places them at risk of being held in contempt of Congress, a formal charge used when witnesses refuse to comply with lawful subpoenas.

The House Oversight Committee has the authority to pursue contempt proceedings. If the House votes to hold the Clintons in contempt, the matter can be referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. 

The process is procedural and follows established congressional rules, though it often moves slowly. Prosecutors would then decide whether to bring charges, a step that involves legal discretion and internal review.

The Clintons’ legal team argues they are cooperating through written responses rather than in person testimony. Committee leadership maintains, however, that personal appearances are necessary for proper questioning and accountability. 

Whether contempt charges move forward will depend on political will within the House and prosecutorial decisions afterward. The outcome will test the enforcement power of congressional subpoenas and set a precedent for future oversight investigations.