GOP House panel to 'compel' National Security Advisor Sullivan to testify on Afghanistan withdrawal

McCaul wrote a letter to the White House on Tuesday, which said he would move to “compel” Sullivan to testify if he does not agree to do so on his own by August 30.

By Nicholas Ballasy

Published: August 28, 2024 10:21am

Updated: September 9, 2024 9:13am

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul is calling on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to publicly testify on the Biden administration's chaotic and deadly military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

The Texas Republican wrote a letter to the White House on Tuesday in which he vowed to “compel” Sullivan to testify if he does not agree to do so on his own by August 30.

In his letter, McCaul wrote that "crucial questions" remain unanswered about the withdrawal, including the role of the National Security Council played in "usurping congressionally designated responsibilities of the State Department and Defense Department."

Thirteen U.S. service members were killed at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport on Aug. 26, 2021 in a terrorist attack, commonly referred to as the Abbey Gate bombing, during the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.

McCaul referred to Sullivan as the "principal architect" of the withdrawal.

“Evidence gathered by the Committee in this investigation points to Mr. Sullivan as the principal architect of Afghanistan policy,” McCaul's letter read. “If Mr. Sullivan chooses not to appear voluntarily, I am prepared to compel his testimony.”