A top Republican lawmaker's disoriented state at a major airport leads to police intervention and public scrutiny.
According to Daily Mail, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul was detained at Dulles International Airport after mixing the sleep medication Ambien with alcohol, resulting in his disorientation and subsequent missing of his flight to Texas.
The incident occurred two weekends ago when McCaul, who was preparing for a flight home, found himself in an altered state after combining prescription sleep medication with alcoholic beverages. Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police confirmed the Republican lawmaker was charged with being drunk in public around 9 p.m. on November 4, just one day before his successful re-election.
McCaul's spokesperson explained that the congressman takes Ambien due to his nervousness about flying, a common concern given his frequent travel requirements as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During the incident, McCaul reportedly locked himself out of his own cellphone, adding to the confusion that led to police involvement.
The Texas representative, who frequently travels both domestically and internationally for diplomatic meetings, was attempting to board a flight to his home state, where he resides with his wife Linda and their five children. Law enforcement officers detained him until a family member arrived to pick him up.
In response to the incident, McCaul issued a statement acknowledging his error. The congressman said:
Two weekends ago, I made a mistake — one for which I take full responsibility. I missed a flight to Texas and found myself disoriented in the airport. This was the result of a poor decision I made to mix an Ambien — which I took in order to sleep on the upcoming flight — with some alcohol. Law enforcement officers briefly detained me while I waited for a family member to pick me up.
The incident comes at a crucial time for House Republican leadership, with recent elections confirming Mike Johnson's position as their leader. McCaul, who faces term limits as chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, may seek a waiver from House leadership to extend his term.
In recent months, McCaul has maintained an active diplomatic schedule, including significant visits to India and Taiwan to strengthen U.S. foreign relations. These diplomatic efforts highlight his important role in shaping American foreign policy.
The congressman expressed remorse for the incident while emphasizing his respect for law enforcement, stating:
This incident does not reflect who I am and who I strive to be. As a human, I am not perfect. But I am determined to learn from this mistake and, God-willing, make myself a better person.
The situation has attracted attention not only because of McCaul's prominent position but also due to its timing just before the election. Despite the incident, McCaul won his race decisively, indicating continued support from his constituents.
House Republicans have recently concluded their leadership elections, unanimously supporting Mike Johnson's continued role as their leader. McCaul's incident occurs against this backdrop of party reorganization and preparation for the next congressional session.
Michael McCaul's airport detention resulted from mixing Ambien with alcohol before a scheduled flight to Texas, leading to his disorientation and subsequent police intervention at Dulles International Airport. The incident occurred on November 4, just before his successful re-election campaign.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman has taken full responsibility for his actions while maintaining his commitment to public service. As he continues his role in Congress, McCaul faces the challenge of balancing his significant diplomatic responsibilities with personal accountability, all while working to maintain the trust of his constituents and colleagues.
