Stephen Groves, The Associated Press

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Lawmakers finally questioned the Clintons about Epstein. They also asked about pizzagate and UFOs

Lawmakers finally questioned the Clintons about Epstein. They also asked about pizzagate and UFOs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A House committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein labored for six months to question former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but once they finally had a chance to sit down with some of the highest-ranked officials to ever be deposed by Congress, the sessions veered off track with a leaked photo, talk of the...

Bill Clinton tries to distance himself from Epstein in videos released from his testimony last week

Bill Clinton tries to distance himself from Epstein in videos released from his testimony last week

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton distanced himself themselves from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in closed-door depositions with lawmakers, according to videos that were released Monday by a House committee.

House panel releases videos of Bill and Hillary Clinton answering questions about Epstein

House panel releases videos of Bill and Hillary Clinton answering questions about Epstein

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Videos of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answering questions about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released Monday by a House committee investigating the late financier.

Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on Trump's tariffs
US senators visit key Ukrainian port city as they push for fresh sanctions on Russia

US senators visit key Ukrainian port city as they push for fresh sanctions on Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A delegation of U.S. senators was returning Wednesday from a trip to Ukraine, hoping to spur action in Congress for a series of sanctions meant to economically cripple Moscow and pressure President Vladimir Putin to make key concessions in peace talks.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledges meetings with Epstein that contradict previous claims

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledges meetings with Epstein that contradict previous claims

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Under questioning from Democrats Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that he had met with Jeffrey Epstein twice after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child, reversing Lutnick's previous claim that he had cut ties with the late financier after 2005.

Ghislaine Maxwell appeals for clemency from Trump as she declines to answer questions from lawmakers

Ghislaine Maxwell appeals for clemency from Trump as she declines to answer questions from lawmakers

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from House lawmakers in a deposition Monday, but indicated that if President Donald Trump ended her prison sentence, she was willing to testify that neither he nor former President Bill Clinton had done anything wrong in their relationships with Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from a House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights

Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from a House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Lawmakers tried Monday to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, but the former girlfriend and confidante of Jeffrey Epstein invoked her 5th Amendment rights to avoid answering questions that would be incriminating.

Justice Department will allow lawmakers to see unredacted versions of released Epstein files

Justice Department will allow lawmakers to see unredacted versions of released Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Justice will allow members of Congress to review unredacted files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein starting on Monday, according to a letter that was sent to lawmakers.

In unusual move, Republican chairman scrutinizes companies tied to husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar

In unusual move, Republican chairman scrutinizes companies tied to husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Friday requested records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, taking the extraordinary step of scrutinizing the spouse of a sitting House member.

Clintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote

Clintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finalized an agreement with House Republicans Tuesday to testify in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein this month, bowing to the threat of a contempt of Congress vote against them.

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed late Monday to testify in a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but the Republican leading the probe said an agreement had not yet been finalized.

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation before contempt of Congress vote

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation before contempt of Congress vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed late Monday to testify in a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but the Republican leading the probe said an agreement had not yet been finalized.

Clintons try to reach agreement for Epstein testimony before contempt of Congress vote

Clintons try to reach agreement for Epstein testimony before contempt of Congress vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were trying to reach a deal late Monday to comply with a congressional subpoena for their testimony in a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but the Republican leading the probe said an agreement had not been reached.

GOP chair rejects Clintons' offer in Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote

GOP chair rejects Clintons' offer in Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican chair of a House Committee rejected an offer Monday from former President Bill Clinton to conduct a transcribed interview for a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, pushing the threat to hold both Clintons in contempt of Congress closer towards a vote.

Fractures are starting to show in Trump's GOP at the start of this election year

Fractures are starting to show in Trump's GOP at the start of this election year

WASHINGTON (AP) -- For House Republicans, the political year started with a pep rally of sorts as President Donald Trump gathered them at Washington's Kennedy Center for a stemwinder of a speech. But by the time lawmakers had completed their first week of work this midterm election year, fractures in the party were already showing.

Trump administration terminates lease for Washington's 3 public golf courses

Trump administration terminates lease for Washington's 3 public golf courses

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration has ended the lease agreement for three public golf courses in Washington, a move that offers President Donald Trump an additional opportunity to put his stamp on another piece of the nation's capital.

House Democrats release more photos from Epstein's estate

House Democrats release more photos from Epstein's estate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democrats released several dozen more photos Thursday from the estate of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, showing his associations with the rich and famous, as the Department of Justice faces a deadline to release many of its case files on the late financier by the end of the week.

Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate gave final passage to an annual military policy bill Wednesday that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs while pressuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with video of strikes on alleged drug boats in international water near Venezuela.

Senate voting on $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

Senate voting on $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate is nearing final passage Wednesday of an annual military policy bill that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs while pressuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with video of strikes on alleged drug boats in international water near Venezuela.

GOP chairman threatens Clintons with contempt of Congress in Epstein inquiry

GOP chairman threatens Clintons with contempt of Congress in Epstein inquiry

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee threatened Friday to begin contempt of Congress proceedings against former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton if they refuse to appear for depositions as part of the committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

What's next now that Trump has signed bill releasing the Epstein files

What's next now that Trump has signed bill releasing the Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has signed a bill to compel the Justice Department to make public its case files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a potentially far-reaching development in a yearslong push by survivors of Epstein's abuse for a public reckoning.

What's next once Trump signs bill releasing the Epstein files

What's next once Trump signs bill releasing the Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress is sending President Donald Trump a bill to compel the Justice Department to make public its case files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a potentially far-reaching development in a yearslong push by survivors of Epstein's abuse for a public reckoning.

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, and Trump agrees to sign bill

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, and Trump agrees to sign bill

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

Who is Clay Higgins, the only House member to vote against releasing the Epstein files?

Who is Clay Higgins, the only House member to vote against releasing the Epstein files?

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Both Democrats and Republicans alike readied for a unanimous House vote Tuesday to pass a bill to force the release of the c ase files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But in the end, one lawmaker stood alone in opposition: Republican Rep. Clay Higgins.

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Trump

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

House votes overwhelmingly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Senate

House votes overwhelmingly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill Tuesday to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

House heads toward vote on bill forcing release of Jeffrey Epstein files

House heads toward vote on bill forcing release of Jeffrey Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House is headed towards a vote Tuesday on legislation to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the culmination of a monthslong effort that has overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

House expected to vote on bill forcing release of Jeffrey Epstein files

House expected to vote on bill forcing release of Jeffrey Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House is expected to vote Tuesday on legislation to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the culmination of a monthslong effort that has overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump's ability to attack Venezuela

Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump's ability to attack Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Republicans voted to reject legislation Thursday that would have put a check on President Donald Trump's ability to launch an attack against Venezuela, as Democrats pressed Congress to take a stronger role in Trump's high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Senate to vote on legislation to limit Trump administration from attacking Venezuela

Senate to vote on legislation to limit Trump administration from attacking Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate was voting Thursday on legislation that would check President Donald Trump's ability to launch an attack against Venezuela, as Democrats pressed Congress to take a stronger role in Trump's high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

4 Republicans back Senate resolution to undo Trump's tariffs around the globe

4 Republicans back Senate resolution to undo Trump's tariffs around the globe

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate passed a resolution Thursday that would undo many of President Donald Trump's tariffs around the globe, the latest note of displeasure at his trade tactics in Washington that came just as the president celebrated his negotiations with China as a success.

Senate vote on nullifying tariffs on Canada demonstrates opposition to Trump's trade policy

Senate vote on nullifying tariffs on Canada demonstrates opposition to Trump's trade policy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would nullify U.S. tariffs on Canada, just as President Donald Trump is engaged in trade talks in Asia as well as an increasingly bitter trade spat with U.S.'s northern neighbor that is one of its largest economic partners.

Senate is voting on a Democratic effort to block Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports

Senate is voting on a Democratic effort to block Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate is voting on legislation Wednesday that would nullify U.S. tariffs on Canada, just as President Donald Trump is engaged in trade talks in Asia as well as an increasingly bitter trade spat with U.S.'s northern neighbor that is one of its largest economic partners.

Senate votes to block tariffs on Brazil. It shows some pushback to Trump trade policy

Senate votes to block tariffs on Brazil. It shows some pushback to Trump trade policy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate approved a resolution Tuesday evening that would nullify President Donald Trump's tariffs on Brazil, including oil, coffee and orange juice, as Democrats tested GOP senators' support for Trump's trade policy.

Democrats force a Senate vote to block Trump's tariffs on Brazil

Democrats force a Senate vote to block Trump's tariffs on Brazil

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate was voting Tuesday evening on legislation that would nullify President Donald Trump's tariffs on Brazil, including oil, coffee and orange juice, as Democrats tested GOP senators' support for Trump's trade policy.

Shutdowns began as a way to enforce federal law. Now Trump is using it to take more power

Shutdowns began as a way to enforce federal law. Now Trump is using it to take more power

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government shutdown, already the second-longest in history, with no end in sight, is quickly becoming a way for President Donald Trump to exercise new command over the government.

House Republicans seek testimony from ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith

House Republicans seek testimony from ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee requested Tuesday that Jack Smith, the former Justice Department special counsel, appear for an interview, part of an escalating effort among the GOP to pursue the perceived enemies of President Donald Trump.

Veterans who lack citizenship fear being swept up in Trump's deportations

Veterans who lack citizenship fear being swept up in Trump's deportations

WASHINGTON (AP) -- After serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine Corps insignia tattooed on his arms to show his pride in serving a country he calls home.

Senate Republicans defeat Democrats' effort to force the release of Epstein files

Senate Republicans defeat Democrats' effort to force the release of Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a close vote, Senate Republicans defeated an effort Wednesday by Democrats to insert language into Congress' annual defense authorization bill that would have forced the public release of case files on the sex trafficking investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Senate Republicans barely defeat effort by Democrats to force release of Epstein files

Senate Republicans barely defeat effort by Democrats to force release of Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a close vote, Senate Republicans defeated an effort Wednesday by Democrats to insert language into Congress' annual defense authorization bill that would have forced the public release of case files on the sex trafficking investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump's deportation plans result in 320,000 fewer immigrants and slower population growth, CBO says

Trump's deportation plans result in 320,000 fewer immigrants and slower population growth, CBO says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's plans for mass deportations and other hardline immigration measures will result in roughly 320,000 people removed from the United States over the next ten years, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday in a report that also projected that the U.S. population will grow more slowly than it had previously projected.

Epstein survivors implore Congress to act as push for disclosure builds

Epstein survivors implore Congress to act as push for disclosure builds

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse made their voices heard Tuesday on Capitol Hill, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and pushing back President Donald Trump's effort to dismiss the issue as a "hoax."

House committee releases some Justice Department files in Epstein case, but most already public

House committee releases some Justice Department files in Epstein case, but most already public

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House Oversight Committee on Tuesday publicly posted the files it has received from the Justice Department on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, responding to mounting pressure in Congress to force more disclosure in the case.

House Oversight Committee releases some Justice Department files in Epstein and Maxwell cases

House Oversight Committee releases some Justice Department files in Epstein and Maxwell cases

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House Oversight Committee on Tuesday publicly posted the files it has received from the Justice Department on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Emboldened Democrats are starting to push back on Trump's immigration plans

Emboldened Democrats are starting to push back on Trump's immigration plans

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats were plunged into political crisis, especially splintered on immigration and border security, after their thorough defeat last year in an election in which President Donald Trump made hard-line immigration action a centerpiece of his campaign.

House committee subpoenas Epstein's estate for documents, including birthday book and contacts

House committee subpoenas Epstein's estate for documents, including birthday book and contacts

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the estate of the late Jeffrey Epstein on Monday as congressional lawmakers try to determine who was connected to the disgraced financier and whether prosecutors mishandled his case.

Trump tax law could cause Medicare cuts if Congress doesn't act, CBO says

Trump tax law could cause Medicare cuts if Congress doesn't act, CBO says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal budget deficits caused by President Donald Trump's tax and spending law could trigger automatic cuts to Medicare if Congress does not act, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported Friday.

Trump's tax law will mostly benefit the rich, while leaving poorer Americans with less, CBO says

Trump's tax law will mostly benefit the rich, while leaving poorer Americans with less, CBO says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump'stax and spending law will result in less income for the poorest Americans while sending money to the richest, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported Monday.

Senate rejects bid to halt sale of bombs and rifles to Israel, but Democratic opposition grows

Senate rejects bid to halt sale of bombs and rifles to Israel, but Democratic opposition grows

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate rejected an effort Wednesday from Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel, though the vote showed a growing number of Democrats opposed to the arms sales amid widespread hunger and suffering in Gaza.

Senate confirms Trump's pick for counterterrorism agency, a former Green Beret with extremist ties

Senate confirms Trump's pick for counterterrorism agency, a former Green Beret with extremist ties

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's pick to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, on Wednesday evening as Republicans looked past his connections to right-wing extremists and support for conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The House is looking into the Epstein investigation. Here's what could happen next

The House is looking into the Epstein investigation. Here's what could happen next

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A key House committee is looking into the investigation of the late Jeffrey Epstein for sex trafficking crimes, working to subpoena President Donald Trump's Department of Justice for files in the case as well as hold a deposition of Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Under pressure, House Republicans consider vote on Epstein file

Under pressure, House Republicans consider vote on Epstein file

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans were grasping late Thursday to formulate a response to the Trump administration's handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, ultimately putting forward a resolution that carries no legal weight but nodded to the growing demand for greater transparency.

House Republicans grasp for response to demands for transparency in Epstein case

House Republicans grasp for response to demands for transparency in Epstein case

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans were grasping late Thursday to formulate a response to the Trump administration's handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, ultimately putting forward a resolution that carries no legal weight but nodded to the growing demand for greater transparency.

Republican senators caution Trump against firing Fed chair Jerome Powell

Republican senators caution Trump against firing Fed chair Jerome Powell

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is gaining some key backing on Capitol Hill from GOP senators who fear the repercussions if President Donald Trump follows through with threats to try and remove the politically independent central banker.

Veterans Affairs asks employees to report 'anti-Christian bias' for investigation by new task force

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs is establishing a task force to investigate employee reports of alleged anti-Christian bias among their colleagues, part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to infuse its agenda with religious purpose and champion the rights of Christians.

Senate Republicans express relief after Trump pauses tariff plans

Senate Republicans express relief after Trump pauses tariff plans

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As news that President Donald Trump was backing down on most of his tariffs reached a luncheon of Senate Republicans Wednesday, the room reacted with relief, cheers and smiles.

Republicans swing from worry to relief as Trump pauses tariff plans

Republicans swing from worry to relief as Trump pauses tariff plans

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As news that President Donald Trump was backing down on most of his tariffs reached a luncheon of Senate Republicans Wednesday, the room reacted with relief, cheers and smiles.

Republicans are going public with their growing worries about Trump's tariffs

Republicans are going public with their growing worries about Trump's tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Manufacturers struggling to make long-term plans. Farmers facing retaliation from Chinese buyers. U.S. households burdened with higher prices.

Congress has the power to halt Trump's tariffs. But Republicans aren't ready to use it

Congress has the power to halt Trump's tariffs. But Republicans aren't ready to use it

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As stock markets tumble in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, Republicans in Congress were watching with unease and talking of clawing back their power to levy tariffs -- but almost none seemed ready to turn their words into action.