House Blocks Impeachment Effort Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The House voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively blocking the effort from reaching the floor. The vote prevents immediate action on the eight articles of impeachment. The resolution was introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who cited the Trump administration's conduct of the Iran war without congressional authorization. The articles also covered Pentagon strikes on suspected drug traffickers, the seizure of Venezuela's leader, and alleged retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly. Hegseth defended his tenure at a press conference, calling the impeachment effort "sabotage" and a policy disagreement. Only Massie joined all Democrats in opposing the referral, though the political landscape is set to shift when Democrats take control of Congress in January.