Ten Democrats joined Republicans in rebuking the Biden administration over their handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in a vote that passed 219 to 194. The bill was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, who accused the administration of prioritizing optics over security, leading to the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers during a terror attack in Kabul. The resolution specifically named 15 current or former Biden administration members, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, for their roles in the chaotic withdrawal.
Among the Democrats who voted for the measure were Reps. Jared Golden, Mary Peltola, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Vicente Gonzalez, Greg Landsman, and Jeff Jackson. McCaul emphasized the importance of holding the Biden administration accountable for what he described as one of the most devastating foreign policy blunders in American history. He read the names of the fallen servicemembers during his closing remarks in the debate on the bill, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifices they made.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led the opposition against McCaul’s bill, calling it political theater that distorts facts and disrespects the sacrifices made by servicemembers and diplomats during the 20-year war efforts in Afghanistan. Meeks urged a focus on real solutions, supporting Afghan allies, and providing accountability based on truths rather than partisan narratives. McCaul expressed disagreement with Meeks, stating that the images of Afghans falling off planes and babies being flung over barbed wire during the Taliban takeover cannot be forgotten.
McCaul is also set to lead the House in holding Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for allegedly stonewalling his probe into the withdrawal from Afghanistan. His committee has advanced a resolution for this purpose, with Speaker Mike Johnson suggesting it will be brought up for a House-wide vote following a six-week recess. The State Department criticized the move, calling it a political exercise masquerading as oversight, aimed at serving the majority’s partisan interests rather than seeking answers that have already been provided.
The debate surrounding the resolution reflects deep divisions among lawmakers regarding the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. While some Democrats joined Republicans in criticizing the administration, others defended its actions and urged a focus on moving forward with real solutions. The resolution, introduced by McCaul, seeks to hold the administration accountable for the chaotic military operation that resulted in the deaths of U.S. servicemembers and the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan. The next steps, including a potential contempt of Congress vote against Secretary Blinken, indicate ongoing scrutiny and efforts to ensure accountability for the decisions made during the withdrawal.
