Comer accused of 'dragging his feet' on Epstein probe in fiery rebuke from colleague
A House Democrat uncorked a fiery broadside against House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Comer on Tuesday, accusing the Republican lawmaker of "dragging his feet" on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation with his escalating demands of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Comer effectively forced the Clintons to sit for depositions in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe, and the fight has shifted from whether they’ll appear to on what terms and when. The agreement came after about six months of delaying and resisting subpoenas, during which the committee advanced contempt of Congress measures against both Clintons for non‑compliance.
After the Clintons’ lawyers said Monday night that they would comply, Comer set a noon Tuesday deadline for them to explicitly accept the “standard” terms: transcribed, filmed depositions in February with no time limit. If they fail, he threatened to continue with contempt proceedings.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) didn't hold back, calling Comer's demands "pretty crazy," and telling reporters Tuesday the Republican set a "new precedent," one that Democrats may take advantage of in the future. He laid out what he described as a clear double standard in how Comer is treating the Clintons compared to other witnesses.
Garcia said the Clintons have already bent over backward to accommodate Comer's demands, offering two specific dates, Feb. 26 and 27, for testimony.
"They have accepted all of James Comer's long list of demands, which, by the way, go beyond what Comer has requested from the people," Garcia explained.
Garcia emphasized that Comer has allowed most witnesses he subpoenaed to submit written declarations instead of appearing in person. Not so for the Clintons.
"Most of the folks that James Comer has sent subpoenas to, he's allowed them to testify in writing. So most of, actually a vast majority, have actually submitted their declarations in writing," Garcia stated. "The former president and Secretary of State are going above and beyond what other folks have done."
Garcia questioned why Comer is now "dragging his feet."
"Let's hear from President Clinton. Let's get the testimony and let's stop playing political games. We want to move this investigation forward," Garcia declared, essentially calling out what he sees as manufactured obstruction from the GOP.