cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/41968573

On Wednesday, nine Democrats voted with Republicans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress, while three Democrats voted to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt.

If the full House votes in favour, the Department of Justice would decide whether to prosecute the charges, which is a misdemeanour offence punishable by a fine up to $100,000 (£74,500) and imprisonment up to a year.

In a statement, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer urged the full House to hold the Clintons in contempt, saying his committee had sent a “clear message” that “no one is above the law, and justice must be applied equally—regardless of position, pedigree, or prestige”.

The Clintons had contended the subpoenas - a legal orders to provide testimony - were “nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass political rivals, as President Trump has directed”.