The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee's Republican Chairman has warned Secretary of State Antony Blinken that he may face contempt of Congress charges if he does not comply with a subpoena related to a classified cable from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Representative Michael McCaul expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided so far about the cable sent through the State Department's "dissent channel" in July 2021.

The subpoena was issued in March, and the committee is seeking more information about the cable, which, according to an August 2021 Wall Street Journal report, warned of the potential collapse of Kabul shortly after the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The State Department has maintained that certain information can only be shared with senior officials to protect the identities of those expressing dissent.

In response to McCaul's letter, a State Department spokesperson said that the department would provide Congress with the necessary information while safeguarding the ability of State Department employees to perform their duties. The spokesperson expressed disappointment that the House Foreign Affairs Committee continues to pursue this action despite receiving a classified briefing and a written summary on the dissent channel cable.

McCaul initiated an investigation into the disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent events. Republicans and some Democrats have argued that there has not been a complete account of the chaotic operation, during which 13 U.S. service members lost their lives at Kabul's airport.

The letter stipulates that the department must either comply with the request or provide a legal basis for withholding the documents by May 11 at 6:00 pm EDT (2200 GMT). If the department fails to comply, the committee is prepared to enforce the subpoena by holding Blinken in contempt of Congress or initiating a civil enforcement proceeding.