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Despite these objections, Republicans on the committee pressed forward, arguing that defiance of subpoenas cannot be excused by claims of political motivation. In a 34–8 vote, the committee approved the contempt resolution against Bill Clinton, with nine Democrats joining Republicans and two members voting present. A separate vote to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt passed 28–15, with three Democrats crossing party lines in support. Chairman Comer framed the decision as a matter of institutional integrity rather than partisan vendetta. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that subpoenas are not optional requests but legally binding instruments essential to Congress’s oversight function. Comer stated that no individual—whether a former president, a former cabinet secretary, or a private citizen—has the authority to unilaterally decide which subpoenas to obey. From this perspective, the Clintons’ refusal to appear constituted a direct challenge to congressional authority that demanded a response, regardless of the political consequences.
