House blocks impeachment bid against Defense Secretary Hegseth

The U.S. House of Representatives has blocked a resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Donald Trump called the effort a "total failure" on social media. Republican Thomas Massie filed the resolution, which was blocked after Tuesday's vote largely along party lines and sent to the House Judiciary Committee. Republicans hold the majority until January, when Democrats take over both chambers following midterm election gains. Hegseth faces accusations including responsibility for an undeclared war against Iran and an illegal war in Yemen. He dismissed the impeachment talk as a "political spectacle" driven by "ego and bitterness." Massie, a Trump critic, leaves Congress around year's end.