The House voted to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress. Lawmakers acted after he refused to appear for a deposition. The vote followed a subpoena from a panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
The committee sought testimony from Black about his financial ties to Epstein. It also demanded documents related to their business dealings. Black declined to cooperate with both requests.
The contempt resolution passed with bipartisan support. Lawmakers argued that no private citizen is above congressional oversight. The move escalates a long-running dispute over Epstein-related inquiries.
Black’s representatives said the subpoenas exceeded the committee’s authority. They described the demands as overly broad and politically motivated. His legal team has signaled a possible court challenge.
The panel is examining how Epstein funded his activities and who enabled him. Investigators have focused on wealthy associates who had financial relationships with him. Black has said his dealings with Epstein were for financial advice.
A contempt finding can lead to a criminal referral by the House. The Justice Department would then decide whether to pursue charges. Such referrals often take months to resolve.
The vote adds pressure to a case that has drawn intense public interest. It also tests Congress’s power to compel testimony from powerful figures. Further legal battles are expected in the coming weeks.
