Top GOP chair issues stark warning to Clintons if they defy depositions in Epstein investigation

By Fox News · Fox News

House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., is warning former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to comply with subpoenas requiring them to appear for in-person deposition for the committee’s probe looking at the late financier Jeffrey Epstein 's sex trafficking case. Comer first ordered in August for the Clintons to appear before the committee for an in-person deposition. However, the Clintons’ attorney, David Kendall, said on Nov. 3 that his clients could instead provide written answers because it is "the most efficient and equitable way to proceed." But Comer said such an arrangement was unacceptable. "Given their history with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell , any attempt by the Clintons to avoid sitting for a deposition would be in defiance of lawful subpoenas and grounds to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings," Comer said in a statement on Friday, that accompanied a letter to Kendall. "The Committee looks forward to confirming their appearance and remains committed to delivering transparency and accountability for the survivors of Epstein’s heinous crimes and for the American people." EPSTEIN ESTATE TO HAND OVER 'BIRTHDAY BOOK' TO LAWMAKERS, HOUSE DEM SAYS In Kendall’s previous letter, he told Comer that the Clintons had little to provide the committee, and therefore, an in-person testimony was superfluous. "The public’s demand for transparency from its government about their criminality is both understandable and warranted," Kendall said in a letter on Nov. 3. "Former President Clinton and former Secretary Clinton welcome legitimate oversight in this matter that is grounded in fact. In that regard, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Hillary Clinton have little to contribute to that legitimate goal, all of which can be readily submitted on paper." However, Comer pushed back on that assertion and said Friday that future delays would amount to defying a lawful subpoena. As a result, Co…