Official records from the House Foreign Affairs Committee

House Foreign Affairs Committee Votes 26-25 to Hold Blinken in Contempt Over Afghanistan

Sep 24, 2024, 06:02 PM

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena to testify about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The vote, which passed by a narrow margin of 26-25 along party lines, follows Blinken's repeated refusals to appear before the committee despite his open schedule in September. Chairman Michael McCaul and other Republicans have expressed frustration over Blinken's absence, arguing that his testimony is crucial for understanding the chaotic withdrawal. Blinken, who sent a letter instead of appearing, has been criticized for avoiding accountability. The resolution will now move to the full House for consideration.