The Clintons agreed to testify in the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein

(Patria) - Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate in the 2016 election, will testify in the congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an official said on Monday, Reuters reported.

The decision could prevent a planned vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to hold the two prominent Democrats in contempt of court, which could lead to criminal charges.

The House Oversight Committee last week recommended that they be held in contempt of court for refusing to testify about their relationship with Epstein. The Clintons offered cooperation with the panel, but refused to appear in person, saying the investigation was a partisan exercise aimed at protecting Republican President Donald Trump.

"They told you under oath what they know, but you don't care. But the former president and the former secretary of state will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone," said the Clintons' deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, in a social media post.

House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the news but did not say whether the House would abandon the planned contempt of court vote.

"That is a good development," he said. "We expect everyone to comply with congressional subpoenas."

Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's plane several times in the early 2000s after leaving office. He expressed regret for the association and said he knew nothing of Epstein's criminal activities.