Johnson’s delegation cancellation upends lawmakers’ travel to critical global summit
The Hill
by Sudiksha KochiFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The cancellation of the official House delegation to the annual Munich Security Conference has sparked criticism from Democrats, who are continuing to attend despite the move. This decision by House leadership marks a break from decades of bipartisan participation in one of the world's most prominent global policy forums. While a House leadership aide explained that canceling congressional delegations (CODELs) is a standard practice, the optics of such a high-profile cancellation have drawn sharp rebukes, particularly as it disrupts a long-standing tradition of collaboration between political parties at an event critical to international diplomacy.
The Munich Security Conference, often described as the "Davos of geopolitics," brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing global issues like security, economic stability, and international relations. Historically, bipartisan participation has been a cornerstone of U.S. engagement at the conference, symbolizing unity in addressing these challenges on the global stage. However, the decision to cancel the official delegation appears to align with broader trends of political polarization in Washington, where bipartisanship is increasingly under strain.
Democrats have made it clear that they will not let the cancellation deter them from engaging in the discussions. Several members of Congress are planning to attend independently, ensuring that the U.S. voice remains present at the summit. This move highlights the growing divide between political parties, as Democrats signal their commitment to maintaining U.S. influence on the world stage despite what they view as a misguided decision by House leadership
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on The Hill on 2/14/2026