Rep. Comer Threatens to Subpoena State Department Over John Kerry’s Role Under Biden

House Oversight Committee Chair Demands Transparency from John Kerry

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) is not backing down in his quest for answers about John Kerry’s role as a special envoy for climate. In an April 25 letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Comer demanded more transparency from Kerry or face a possible subpoena.

Comer is concerned that Kerry’s activities could undermine the economy and foreign policy under the guise of climate advocacy. Despite this, Kerry and his office have refused to be transparent about their activities, spending, and staffing with the Committee and the American people.

Kerry, who was the Democrats’ 2004 presidential nominee, also participates in National Security Council meetings.

Details Requested

Blinken has until May 9 to provide details on the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate’s office, including past and present budgets, current and previous employees, and foreign and domestic travel. However, Oversight staff told The Epoch Times on April 26 that they hadn’t heard back regarding the letter.

The State Department spokesperson confirmed that they received the letter and will respond accordingly. They also added that the State Department is committed to working with Congressional committees with jurisdiction over U.S. foreign policy to accommodate their need for information to help them conduct oversight for their legitimate legislative purposes.

Latest in a Series of Requests

This is not the first time Comer has sought information from Kerry regarding his role. As early as June 2021, Comer co-authored a letter with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who is now chair of the House Judiciary Committee, questioning Kerry’s apparent ability to cut climate-related deals with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The June 2021 letter cited an April 2021 joint statement from Kerry and his Chinese counterpart and questioned Kerry’s position as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and how it will impact the interests of the United States.

Under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the president may appoint officers of the United States “with the advice and consent of the Senate.” Comer and Jordan are concerned that Kerry’s role as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate could allow him to set foreign policy and bind the United States to international agreements without Senate confirmation.