Secretary Blinken Disappointed With Subpoena Threat From House Chairman

Antony Blinken U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Israel

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his disappointment with House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul after receiving a subpoena and facing the threat of contempt for not appearing before the committee to discuss the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Blinken stated that he had offered reasonable alternatives for testimony dates but was met with unilateral demands from the committee. He emphasized his willingness to testify and his commitment to carrying out the President's foreign policy objectives.

Blinken offered alternative testimony dates but faced unilateral demands.

Secretary Blinken disappointed with Chairman McCaul's subpoena threat.

McCaul investigating Biden administration's handling of Afghanistan evacuation.

In a letter to McCaul, Blinken urged the Chairman to withdraw the subpoena, reconsider contempt proceedings, and engage in good faith discussions with the State Department to find a suitable resolution.

McCaul has been investigating the Biden administration's handling of the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan and plans to release a final report before the upcoming presidential election. He has been pushing for Blinken's appearance before the committee as part of the investigation.

Blinken explained that his schedule, including important international engagements at the United Nations General Assembly, conflicted with the hearing dates proposed by McCaul. He detailed a series of high-level meetings and events he is scheduled to attend on the day of the hearing.

The State Department has dedicated significant resources to providing the committee with requested documents, briefings, and interviews related to the Afghanistan withdrawal investigation.

McCaul's efforts to hold the Biden administration accountable for the chaotic withdrawal align with the broader political landscape as the presidential election approaches. The Chairman has also sought to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris's role in the administration's decisions by referring to the 'Biden-Harris administration' in his committee's report.

Despite the ongoing tensions between Blinken and McCaul, the Secretary of State remains committed to engaging with the committee in a constructive manner to address the issues surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.