Democrats Join Republicans in Voting the Clintons in Contempt of Congress

On January 21, 2026, a notable event occurred in the House Oversight Committee when both Democrats and Republicans moved to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress. This decision came as a response to their refusal to answer questions related to their connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

1. Contempt Votes:

• The House Oversight Committee voted 34-8 to proceed with a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton and 28-15 for Hillary Clinton. The resolutions are now set for a floor vote.

2. Clintons' Stance:

• The Clintons did not provide a valid legal justification for their refusal to comply with the subpoenas, asserting that attending the inquiry would imply that they felt obligated to respond to legal mandates. Historically, the Clintons have escaped accountability in several legal matters.

3. Democratic Support:

• In a surprising turn of events, nine Democrats collaborated with their Republican counterparts to vote against the Clintons. This action was unexpected given the partisan dynamics typically surrounding the Clintons.

4. Democratic Opposition:

• Eight Democrats voted against the contempt resolutions, with some choosing to abstain from taking a clear position. This included notable representatives who have previously moderated their stances, but in this instance, chose to back the Clintons over legislative accountability.

5. Implications of the Vote:

• This vote raised questions about party loyalty and the importance of legal accountability, even among influential figures like the Clintons. Democrats face irony in aligning with the Clintons when their platform emphasizes challenging wealthy and privileged classes.

6. Responsibility and Courage:

• The vote was framed as a "true test of courage," highlighting that lawmakers should uphold the authority of congressional subpoenas regardless of political affiliations. Members are called to respect legal protocols rather than yielding to political advantages.

The movement to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress illustrates a rare bipartisan agreement on an issue of accountability. It raises important discussions regarding the applicable legal standards for powerful figures and the principles that should guide members of Congress in upholding their responsibilities. While some Democrats abstained or opposed the resolution, the broader implications signal a shift in how political accountability is viewed across party lines. 

https://jonathanturley.org/2026/01/22/democrats-join-republicans-in-voting-the-clintons-in-contempt-of-congress/#more-240255