Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed late Monday to testify as part of a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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

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

Republican Congressman James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said on Monday the Clintons have not given a date for their depositions and that he will discuss next steps with panel members.