Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while appearing in a virtual deposition before the US House Oversight Committee on Monday, declining to answer questions related to her role in Jeff-rey Eps-tein’s crimes and potential co-conspirators. Her lawyer, David Oscar Marcus, said Maxwell would be willing to speak “fully and honestly” if granted clemency by US President Donald Trump. Lawmakers from both parties criticized her refusal to testify, with Oversight Committee chair James Comer calling the appearance “very disappointing” and ranking member Robert Garcia describing it as part of a “cover-up.”

Comer said he would not rule out deposing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is facing calls to resign over his past ties to Eps-tein, including a planned visit to Eps-tein’s private island in 2012, years after Eps-tein’s conviction for soliciting a minor. Comer said the committee is prioritizing five upcoming depositions as part of its investigation into the handling of Eps-tein’s crimes, including depositions involving former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Lutnick has previously said he had no relationship with Eps-tein after 2005, though newly released Justice Department documents show email correspondence between the two continued through intermediaries.

Separately, Congress is facing a potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security if a full-year funding bill is not passed by Friday. A stopgap funding measure was approved to keep DHS operating until 13 February while negotiations continue between Democrats, Republicans, and the White House over funding conditions related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Democrats are seeking additional restrictions on enforcement practices, while Republicans have resisted those demands, raising the prospect of a shutdown if no agreement is reached.