The House approved new Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions after Democrats and a small group of Republicans used a discharge petition to bypass GOP leaders. The measure now faces an uncertain path in the Senate and would need President Donald Trump’s signature to become law.
Posts tagged as “the House Foreign Affairs Committee”
The House passed a Democrat-led war powers resolution directing President Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes the conflict. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the 215-208 vote.
House Republicans delay a vote on a war powers resolution that would restrict President Trump's military actions in Iran, with lawmakers expected to revisit the issue after Memorial Day recess amid ongoing debate over war authority.
Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) expressed concern over the lack of an elected speaker in the U.S. House of Representatives, noting that it is an unprecedented moment that adds urgency to an already challenging week for fractured House Republicans. McCaul believes it is essential for the House to appoint a speaker in order to send a strong message to U.S. rivals and to effectively respond to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas has condemned Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on hundreds of military promotions, calling it a "paralyzing" move and a "national security problem." GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also weighed in, calling the policy "a national security problem" and promising to end it if elected. The hold on military promotions has been ongoing for months, creating a national security issue.
U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hosted Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in a show of support for the self-ruled island, with a bi-partisan delegation of more than a dozen U.S. lawmakers in attendance. China has responded with threats of reprisals, but the U.S. has made it clear that it will not back down in its support for Taiwan's independence. The meeting is seen as a sign of the U.S.’s commitment to the island.
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.
US Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews gave emotional testimony at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the evacuation from Afghanistan, recounting his experience of the deadly terrorist attack at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate in August 2021. His testimony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by US service members in Afghanistan, and the Committee will continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack and withdrawal.