The House Foreign Affairs Committee convened to discuss several significant legislative measures, including a report recommending that Secretary of State Antony Blinken be held in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal. The committee's chair expressed frustration over Blinken's absence, citing months of attempts to secure his testimony, which he claims were met with obstruction from the State Department.

The contempt resolution stems from Blinken's alleged refusal to appear before the committee to discuss findings related to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members. The chair accused Blinken of prioritizing political optics over accountability, stating that his absence disrespects the committee's oversight responsibilities and the sacrifices of service members and their families.

In contrast, the committee's ranking member defended Blinken, arguing that he has cooperated with congressional inquiries and has appeared before the committee multiple times since the withdrawal. He criticized the contempt resolution as a politically motivated stunt, particularly given the timing, just weeks before the upcoming elections. He emphasized that Blinken was engaged in critical diplomatic efforts at the United Nations during the committee's meeting, which he deemed more pressing than the contempt proceedings.

The discussions highlighted a deep partisan divide, with Republican members insisting on accountability for the withdrawal's failures, while Democrats accused their counterparts of using the issue for political gain. The committee also considered various other legislative measures, including acts addressing human rights in Yemen and Nigeria, and initiatives aimed at monitoring China's influence in foreign ports.

As the committee moved forward with the contempt resolution, the debate underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and congressional oversight.