GOP warns Blinken of Congress contempt for not complying with subpoena.

Republican Chairman Threatens Secretary of State with Contempt of Congress

What’s Happening?

The Republican chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Michael McCaul, has threatened Secretary of State Antony Blinken with contempt of Congress if he does not comply with a subpoena seeking a classified cable related to the August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Why is This Important?

The “dissent channel” cable sent in July 2021 warned top officials of the potential collapse of Kabul soon after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The State Department has said some information can only be shared with senior officials to protect the identity of those expressing dissent. McCaul has launched an investigation into the messy withdrawal from Afghanistan and events there since. Republicans – and some Democrats – say there has never been a full accounting of the chaotic operation, in which 13 U.S. service members were killed at Kabul’s airport.

What’s Next?

The department must comply or assert a legal basis to withhold the documents no later than May 11 at 6:00 pm EDT (2200 GMT). “As noted above, should the Department fail to comply with its legal obligation, the Committee is prepared to take the necessary steps to enforce its subpoena, including holding you in contempt of Congress and/or initiating a civil enforcement proceeding,” the letter said.

Key Takeaways

• Republican Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Michael McCaul, has threatened Secretary of State Antony Blinken with contempt of Congress if he does not comply with a subpoena seeking a classified cable related to the August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• The “dissent channel” cable sent in July 2021 warned top officials of the potential collapse of Kabul soon after the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
• The department must comply or assert a legal basis to withhold the documents no later than May 11 at 6:00 pm EDT (2200 GMT).

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.