The House Oversight Committee has voted unanimously to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress. The decision stems from Black's refusal to comply with two subpoenas, one demanding his appearance for a deposition and another seeking documents relevant to the committee's investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The committee's vote was 41-0. The contempt resolution now moves to the House floor for further consideration. Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., stated that Black defied a lawful subpoena and that the committee has significant questions for him, emphasizing the seriousness of the investigation.
Comer indicated that he expects a floor vote on the contempt resolution before lawmakers depart for midterm campaigning, though the final decision rests with GOP leadership. Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet announced a timeline for this vote.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee's ranking Democrat, described the contempt vote as a crucial step in seeking justice for Epstein's survivors. He noted Black's failure to appear for his deposition and to provide critical information, urging the House to proceed with the contempt vote.
Black's attorneys, Susan Estrich and Aaron Cutler, characterized the contempt markup as "a complete abomination" and retaliation, asserting that the subpoenas were illegitimate and an abuse of power. They requested a postponement of the contempt resolution's consideration until legal challenges filed by Black against Chairman Comer and the committee are fully adjudicated.
In his lawsuit, Black is seeking to prevent the committee from enforcing the subpoenas. He had previously appeared voluntarily before the Oversight panel in June but left the closed-door interview prematurely. Black, who had a social relationship with Epstein and paid him over $170 million, has denied wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's crimes.
Black maintained a social relationship with Epstein beginning in the mid-1990s, eventually paying the convicted sex offender more than $170 million for "tax and estate planning advice," according to the Senate Finance Committee. Black has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. His financial transactions with Epstein occurred in the years following Epstein's 2008 prison sentence for soliciting a minor for prostitution.