The House Foreign Affairs Committee has issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken for sensitive cables from the U.S. embassy in Kabul. The subpoena, signed by Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, requests an internal dissent cable written by 23 State Department employees in Afghanistan. The document is seen as a vital piece of information as the committee investigates the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Biden administration is facing criticism from both sides of the aisle. The State Department has yet to comment on the subpoena.
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Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who represents the district where a school shooting occurred on Monday, faced criticism after a 2021 photo resurfaced showing him and his family posing with firearms in front of their Christmas tree. Ogles released a statement offering “thoughts and prayers” to the victims’ families, but gun control advocates and Democrats argued that the post was insensitive and called for stricter gun control measures. Ogles has yet to respond to the criticism, but has previously expressed support for gun rights.
California lawmakers have passed a bill giving the California Energy Commission the power to impose fines of up to $2,500 per violation on oil companies found to be engaging in price gouging. This bill is seen as a victory for consumers, who have long complained of unfair gas prices, and for Governor Gavin Newsom, who has made it a priority to tackle the issue. The bill was passed in an unusually fast process, despite opposition from the powerful oil industry.
The Biden administration has suffered a setback after the withdrawal of their nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Phillip Washington. The White House blamed the withdrawal on "an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Washington “an excellent nominee”. Despite Democratic support, key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden’s pick, and it remains to be seen who will be chosen to fill the role of FAA Administrator.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California announced on Sunday that he will not be entering the competitive Democratic primary to fill the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein, instead opting to endorse fellow progressive Rep. Barbara Lee. Khanna cited his belief that the House of Representatives is the best place for him to serve as a progressive, and Lee has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, economic justice, and women’s rights. The California Democratic primary for Feinstein’s seat will be held in June 2022, with Khanna’s decision to stay in the House setting the field of candidates vying for the seat.
Phillip Washington, President Joe Biden's pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, has withdrawn his nomination due to Republican attacks on his service and experience. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation was scheduled to vote on Washington's nomination, but it was cancelled due to lack of support. The White House praised Washington's public service record and qualifications, and is expected to move quickly to find a suitable replacement.
A congressional delegation led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) visited the D.C. jail where Donald Trump supporters are being held for their involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. At the news conference, Greene and other Republican House members claimed that the Jan. 6 defendants are being deprived of due process and medical care, leading to chaotic protests and hecklers. The situation has raised questions about the conditions of the D.C. jail and the rights of those accused of involvement in the Capitol riot.
The Senate Ethics Committee has admonished Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for violating Senate rules during a Fox News appearance last November by directly soliciting campaign contributions for Herschel Walker in the Russell Senate Office building. The committee has asked Graham to respond to the letter within 30 days, and it is unclear what action, if any, the committee will take against Graham if he does not comply.