U.S. House Takes Drastic Action Against Secretary Blinken

At a Glance

Republicans recommended holding Blinken in contempt for his failure to testify on the U.S. exit from Afghanistan.
The vote was along party lines, 26-25, with Democrats condemning it as a political stunt.
The contempt vote came while Blinken was attending the United Nations General Assembly.
McCaul pursued contempt charges after Blinken missed a September testimony date.

House Takes Action Over Afghanistan Withdrawal

The U.S. House of Representatives moved to hold Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in contempt of Congress for not testifying in the investigation of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. This decision emphasizes growing concern and frustration among members of Congress regarding the Biden administration’s handling of the exit.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Michael McCaul, recommended the action, alleging that Blinken’s “willful indifference” to testify was a major factor in the decision. McCaul stated that this step became necessary because Blinken declined to commit to a September testimony date. This marked a significant development in the ongoing debate about accountability in U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary Blinken defied my subpoena & refused to select a single day in September to testify before @HouseForeignGOP on my report culminating the committee’s three-year investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal.

While I take no joy in this, @SecBlinken's failure to comply…

— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) September 24, 2024

Partisan Lines and Criticism

The committee voted along party lines, resulting in a 26-25 decision. Democrats criticized the move as a political stunt meant for an electoral advantage. They argued that the contempt efforts were “a real shameful moment for this committee,” prioritizing politics over legitimate legislative oversight. Conversely, Republicans held the position that Secretary Blinken had ignored multiple requests for his testimony, violated a subpoena, and generally avoided accountability for the chaotic withdrawal.

While Blinken was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly, the House committee pressed forward with the contempt vote. McCaul criticized Blinken for breaking promises to schedule a testimony date and for offering subordinates in his place.

House panel moves to hold Blinken in contempt over Afghanistan subpoena

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced a report to recommend finding Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena.

The panel advanced the report… pic.twitter.com/QSB9fSoij3

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) September 24, 2024

Disputes Over Accountability

Blinken expressed disappointment in the decision, stating he had been willing to testify and had proposed several alternative dates. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller labeled the vote “a naked political exercise masquerading as oversight.” Democrats on the committee echoed this sentiment, calling the contempt efforts partisan theatrics rather than genuine oversight.

Blinken has previously testified about Afghanistan fourteen times, including four times before McCaul’s committee. Despite this, McCaul accused Blinken of falsely claiming to have appeared multiple times to discuss Afghanistan and criticized the State Department for obstructing access to necessary witnesses and documents during the investigation.

Future Steps and Implications

The full House of Representatives will have to vote to refer the matter to the Justice Department for prosecution, a step that appears unlikely. Additionally, the House is expected to vote on a resolution condemning fifteen senior Biden administration members for their roles in the Afghanistan withdrawal. McCaul emphasized the importance of accountability, citing concerns over the prioritization of politics over legislative responsibilities.

As this situation unfolds, it remains a critical point of contention within the broader discussions about U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Biden administration’s foreign policy initiatives.