Democrats fault absent members for failed Hegseth impeachment vote

House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark told colleagues that Democrats who missed Tuesday's impeachment vote on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disappointed the American people, according to sources. The failed effort was blocked by Republicans in a 211-204 vote. Eleven Democrats were absent, allowing the Republican-led House to kill the impeachment resolution. Clark, who is seeking to become House majority leader, faced criticism as the party had been riding high from recent electoral gains. Every present Democrat opposed referring the resolution to committee. Democrats could attempt impeachment again next year, though removal would require a two-thirds Senate vote. Missing members cited traffic, medical procedures, and personal emergencies, while Representative Brittany Pettersen vowed Democrats would impeach Hegseth next year.