Democrats Slam 11 No-Shows as Hegseth Impeachment Vote Fails

Democrats criticized their own colleagues after 11 House Democrats missed a Tuesday vote to advance the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, allowing Republicans to block the effort for now. Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and others called the absences "shameful" and damaging. Kamlager-Dove said there was "no reason" the vote should have been lost due to attendance, while Ocasio-Cortez noted lawmakers have a responsibility to "clock in" and do their jobs, though she allowed for possible health issues. Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda and Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed also condemned the missing members, with El-Sayed bluntly stating, "You should show up and do your job." The absent Democrats included Nancy Pelosi, who attended a Veterans Day event, and Lou Correa, who cited a medical procedure. Others offered personal emergencies or no explanation. The failed vote means the impeachment effort may be revisited in the next Congress, which convenes in January 2027.