House Republicans Subpoena Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Amidst Stonewalling Accusations

Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces a potential contempt of Congress charge after House Republicans advanced a resolution to censure him for obstructing a probe into the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. The move comes amid frustration over Blinken's refusal to appear before a key House committee to discuss the matter.

## Article:

House Republicans Subpoena Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Amidst Stonewalling Accusations

In a significant escalation of tensions over the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, House Republicans have subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The subpoena demands Blinken's appearance before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to testify about the chaotic military pullout that resulted in the Taliban's swift takeover of the country.

The move came after Blinken repeatedly declined invitations to appear before the committee, prompting accusations of stonewalling from Republican members. Committee Chairman Michael McCaul expressed frustration with Blinken's absence, stating, "We have a duty of oversight, and no one's above the law."

House Republicans Subpoena Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Amidst Stonewalling Accusations

If the House votes to hold Blinken in contempt, he would be automatically referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal charges. The DOJ has previously declined to prosecute in similar contempt cases involving other Biden administration officials, but it remains unclear whether they will do so in this instance.

House Republicans have cited Blinken's alleged obstruction of their investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal as the rationale for the subpoena. They argue that the withdrawal was marred by several missteps and failures that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and the abandonment of hundreds of American citizens and Afghan allies.

House Republicans Subpoena Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Amidst Stonewalling Accusations

Blinken, for his part, has defended his actions, claiming that he has been cooperating with the investigation and has offered alternative dates for testimony. He has also expressed disappointment with the subpoena and called on McCaul to withdraw it.

The subpoena comes after the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a report detailing the Biden administration's shortcomings in the Afghanistan withdrawal. The report accuses the administration of failing to adequately plan for the withdrawal, leaving Americans and allies behind.

House Republicans Subpoena Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Amidst Stonewalling Accusations

House Republicans have been highly critical of the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, and the subpoena of Blinken is seen as a further escalation of their investigation. The House has previously voted to hold other Biden administration officials in contempt, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The contempt resolution against Blinken is expected to be voted on by the House when Congress returns from recess in November. If passed, it would set a historic precedent, as no secretary of state has ever been held in contempt of Congress.

The subpoena of Blinken has also been compared to the House Democratic majority's impeachment of former President Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection on January 6, 2021. Both actions represent significant confrontations between the legislative and executive branches of government.

It remains to be seen how the DOJ will respond to a potential criminal referral against Blinken, but the subpoena has sent a clear message that House Republicans are determined to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they perceive as mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.