In an unprecedented move, the House Foreign Affairs Committee has subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken, setting the stage for a potential contempt of Congress vote. The action intensifies the GOP-led investigation into the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Michael McCaul, has authorized a contempt resolution against Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This move elevates the House GOP's ongoing probe into the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, which has been met with staunch opposition from the Biden administration.
House GOP Ramps Up Pressure on Blinken, Subpoenas Him over Afghanistan Withdrawal
McCaul has repeatedly accused Blinken of stonewalling the committee's investigation, including his absence from a scheduled hearing due to his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly. Blinken has defended his actions, arguing that he has made alternative arrangements to testify and expressing disappointment with the committee's unilateral demands.
"We have a duty of oversight, and no one's above the law," McCaul asserted. He has offered Blinken multiple dates to appear before the committee but claims that Blinken has declined.
House GOP Ramps Up Pressure on Blinken, Subpoenas Him over Afghanistan Withdrawal
The potential contempt vote against Blinken is unprecedented in the history of the United States, as no Secretary of State has ever been held in contempt before. If the House votes to hold Blinken in contempt, he would be referred to the Department of Justice for possible criminal charges.
The House GOP has already held another Biden official, Attorney General Merrick Garland, in contempt for failing to provide documents related to the January 6th Capitol riot. However, the DOJ declined to prosecute Garland.
House GOP Ramps Up Pressure on Blinken, Subpoenas Him over Afghanistan Withdrawal
The committee's latest move follows the release of a scathing report detailing alleged Biden administration shortcomings that led to the hasty military withdrawal from Kabul. The report has drawn sharp criticism from the White House, which has defended its handling of the situation.
McCaul and other House Republicans have maintained that Blinken has refused to cooperate with their investigation, despite repeated requests and the seriousness of the matter. They have accused the Biden administration of trying to block their oversight efforts.
House GOP Ramps Up Pressure on Blinken, Subpoenas Him over Afghanistan Withdrawal
The subpoena against Blinken is the latest escalation in the ongoing investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal. It remains to be seen whether the House will ultimately vote to hold Blinken in contempt or if the Biden administration will reconsider its stance on the matter.
The previous House Democratic majority held two Trump administration advisers, Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, in contempt for failing to comply with subpoenas from the House select committee on Jan. 6. Both were charged with criminal offenses.
