WASHINGTON (TNND) — House Republicans took the first step in holding both Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress on Wednesday. But what does this actually mean for the Clintons?

Former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick told The National News Desk that the "ramifications are serious" and could mean heavy fines or jail time.

If you're found in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to testify at a deposition, you can be sentenced by a judge to up to 12 months in jail and or a $100,000 fine for defying that subpoena," Fishwick said.

Due to this, Fishwick believes the Clintons are considering "reversing course" and agreeing to testify in the Epstein investigation.

On Tuesday, they offered House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer an unofficial interview. Comer denied this and insisted that they come to Congress and testify.

Comer demanded this for full transparency in the House Oversight Committee investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

“Subpoenas are not mere suggestions; they carry the force of law and require compliance," Comer said.

However, the Clintons argued that the subpoenas presented to them were illegitimate. However, Fishwick said that was not going to fly.

"These are very much open and shut cases. Did you receive a subpoena? Did you show up to testify? And if you didn't, that's going to be perceived as contempt," Fishwick said.