Comer Threatens Subpoena to Obtain Information on John Kerry’s Role in the Biden Administration

If the Administration fails to produce documents and information again, the Committee will consider the compulsory process.

WASHINGTON — Today, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a final letter to U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken requesting all documents and information related to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) John Kerry’s role within the Biden Administration. John Kerry continues to negotiate deals with foreign governments, including the Chinese Communist Party, that potentially undermine the United States’ interests and the Biden Administration has refused to respond to Committee requests for information on Kerry’s powerful, unchecked position.

“For almost two years, the Biden Administration has refused to respond to requests from the Committee on Oversight and Accountability regarding Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) John Kerry’s office. In the 117th Congress, we twice requested information from Envoy Kerry’s office regarding his role as SPEC, a cabinet-level position that does not require Senate confirmation despite his apparent ability to bind the United States to international agreements. We received no response. We wrote again to Envoy Kerry’s office in the 118th Congress on February 2, 2023, requesting documents and information. The White House referred our letter to the State Department. The State Department has not provided any documents or information,” wrote Chairman Comer.

Last Congress, then-Ranking Member Comer pressed for information on John Kerry’s role in the Biden Administration in June 2021 and October 2022. In addition, he renewed his request for information as Chairman of the Committee on February 2, 2023.

“The State Department has not provided any meaningful updates to Committee staff inquiries on the status of producing these documents,” continued Chairman Comer. “Envoy Kerry is engaging in activities that skirt congressional authority, threaten foreign policy under the guise of climate advocacy, and could undermine our economic health. Yet, Envoy Kerry and his office are refusing to be transparent about their activities, spending, and staffing with the Committee—and the American people. We write a final time to request the Department to voluntarily produce the documents and information the Committee has requested. If the Department refuses to produce documents and information on this matter, the Committee will have to consider other means, including compulsory process.”   

Read the letter to State Secretary Blinken here.