Secretary of State Antony Blinken is skipping the GOP-led House hearing set for Tuesday, which seeks to examine the chaotic final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Rather than attending the hearing, Blinken sent a five-page letter to the House Foreign Affairs Committee explaining his decision. His absence is largely due to his prior commitment to attend the United Nations General Assembly this week in New York City, as reported by Just the News.

May 3, 2024; Sedona, Ariz., U.S.; Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the McCain Institute’s 2024 Sedona Forum at Enchantment Resort.

The hearing, titled “An Assessment of the State Department’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan by America’s Top Diplomat,” comes at a critical time. Thirteen U.S. service members lost their lives in a terror attack on August 26, 2021, during the last week of the withdrawal.

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As the Biden administration continues to face criticism for its handling of the situation, Blinken’s absence only adds fuel to the fire.

In the letter, dated Sunday and obtained by Politico, Blinken wrote, “The events of this week were scheduled many months ago, and the dates of the General Assembly’s high-level week have long been publicly noticed.” Blinken emphasized that “U.S. representation at the highest levels in these engagements is essential” and expressed his willingness to testify before the committee upon his return.

However, this offer did not seem to satisfy Rep. Mike McCaul, the committee chairman and a Texas Republican. McCaul released a contempt resolution report on Monday, highlighting subpoenas from earlier this month that “compelled [Blinken’s] appearance on a date the secretary stated he would be in the United States.”

Oct 31, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The Sept. 18 subpoena “superseded” an earlier Sept. 3 subpoena, which was adjusted to accommodate Blinken’s travel schedule. The report read, “Despite repeated warnings and accommodations, Secretary Blinken refused to appear to provide his testimony before the committee. Accordingly, Secretary Blinken has violated federal law and must be held in contempt of Congress.”

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Blinken may soon join the ranks of other Biden administration officials targeted by House Republicans. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached earlier this year, and Attorney General Merrick Garland was held in contempt of Congress in June. Blinken’s refusal to appear before the House panel could lead to similar consequences, further complicating his already contentious role in the administration.