House Panel Votes to Hold Clintons in Contempt Over Epstein Probe

A U.S. congressional committee has voted to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt. The vote by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee escalates a conflict over a probe into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The committee is investigating Epstein's network and his plea deal for past crimes. The contempt measure passed because the Clintons refused to appear for in-person questioning. They had offered to provide sworn written answers instead. A contempt of Congress vote is a formal accusation of obstructing the work of lawmakers. It is a first step that can lead to a referral to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges. The full House of Representatives must also vote to approve the measure. The move is the latest development in a long-running investigation. Republicans seek information about Bill Clinton's past travels with Epstein. Democrats have called the probe a political tactic.