Democrats miss Hegseth impeachment vote in House

Absentees block the measure

Eleven Democratic representatives missed the key procedural vote on Tuesday evening, allowing Republicans to defeat the effort. Members approved sending eight impeachment articles targeting Hegseth to a House committee by a vote of 211 to 204. This outcome effectively shelved the resolution for now as the missing Democrats gave House Republicans the necessary numbers.

Reasons for absence vary

Several party members blamed traffic incidents and conflicting events for their non-attendance during the session. Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico stated she was blocked from entering the Capitol due to a traffic incident involving a police escort. Other individuals charged that Speaker Mike Johnson ended the voting session prematurely, preventing them from accessing the House floor.

Charges include war crimes

Republican Thomas Massie led the articles, which received strong Democratic support as critics charged Hegseth with issuing illegal commands. Specific charges included violating congressional authority by waging war in Iran and Venezuela during the current administration. Speaker Mike Johnson closed the vote early, preventing some colleagues from casting their intended ballots on the motion.