Democratic lawmaker apologizes for missing Hegseth impeachment vote due to traffic

House Democrats failed to advance an impeachment resolution against War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, with a 211-204 vote blocking the effort. Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico was among 11 Democrats who missed the vote. Stansbury, visibly emotional in a video posted Wednesday, apologized for her absence, citing severe rush hour traffic on Independence Avenue near the Capitol. She noted her vote likely wouldn't have changed the outcome, as Republicans held the majority and Senate conviction would require a two-thirds vote. Stansbury and other Democrats had attended an Elect Democratic Women PAC reception at a nearby restaurant during the vote, according to Axios. At least one lawmaker reportedly abandoned their car and walked to the Capitol due to the gridlock.