Democrats Slam Republicans for ‘Political Stunt’ in Blinken Contempt Vote

House Democrats accuse GOP of wasting time on partisan games instead of focusing on real issues, as Blinken defends his commitment to testify.

House Democrats sharply criticized Republicans on Tuesday, accusing them of engaging in a “political stunt” by moving to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress over his absence from a hearing on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) subpoenaed Blinken to testify about the chaotic 2021 withdrawal, but Blinken responded that he would be in New York for events surrounding the U.N. General Assembly. The Secretary of State reiterated, “I am willing to testify” but expressed frustration, saying he is “profoundly disappointed” by the committee’s insistence on unilateral dates “during which I am carrying out the President’s important foreign policy objectives.”

The committee moved forward with the contempt vote, ultimately approving the report on a 26-25 party-line decision.

“I wish we were not here today. However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken brought this upon himself,” McCaul said. “I take no joy in this procedure.” He added, “The secretary’s willful indifference — his willful indifference — has brought us to this point.”

Democrats, led by ranking member Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), condemned the move as a “political stunt made for Fox News” and a “rushed vote.” Meeks stated, “That’s what this is: a political stunt, plain and simple. Why is there suddenly a rush to hold this contempt vote when the secretary has made it clear time and time again that he’s willing to testify?”

Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that the full House would “likely” vote on the report after the November elections. Blinken would become the third member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet to face a formal rebuke by the GOP-led House, following actions against Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Republicans are planning further actions related to the Afghanistan withdrawal, including a resolution condemning 15 Biden officials, among them Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris, for what they describe as failures in decision-making during the withdrawal.