During high-profile testimony before the House Oversight Committee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused the Republican-led panel of using her appearance as a political distraction rather than pursuing meaningful answers about Jeffrey Epstein. In prepared remarks, she argued that a serious investigation into human trafficking would focus on systemic failures that allowed Epstein to receive a controversial plea deal in 2008 and continue his crimes for years afterward.

Clinton told lawmakers she had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and no recollection of ever encountering him. She reiterated that she never flew on his plane or visited his properties and had “nothing to add” beyond prior sworn statements. Calling Epstein’s initial plea agreement a “slap on the wrist,” she said she, like many Americans, was horrified by the scope of the abuse that later came to light.

The deposition, held in Chappaqua, New York, comes a day before former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify. Oversight Chairman James Comer emphasized that neither Clinton is currently accused of wrongdoing but said the committee has “a lot of questions” about Epstein’s connections, including any ties to the Clinton Foundation and associations with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is expected to question Hillary Clinton first, including inquiries about individuals linked to Epstein. Clinton, however, characterized the probe as a “fishing expedition,” arguing that if lawmakers truly sought accountability, they would question current and former officials directly under oath rather than, in her view, staging politically motivated hearings. No charges have been filed against the Clintons or former President Donald Trump in connection with Epstein.