House Democrats face backlash after 11 skip Hegseth impeachment vote

House Republicans voted 211-204 on Tuesday to table an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, effectively killing the effort, with only Rep. Thomas Massie joining Democrats in opposition. Eleven House Democrats missed the vote, drawing sharp criticism from their colleagues. The resolution, introduced by Massie, included eight articles of impeachment alleging violations of the War Powers Act, unlawful military operations in Yemen, and other misconduct. Democrats like Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the absent members, while some cited a traffic incident or prior commitments as reasons for missing the vote. President Donald Trump celebrated the outcome on social media, calling Massie a "major LOSER." Hegseth defended his tenure as lawful, dismissing the effort as a "farce" and "political spectacle." Massie, who lost his primary in May, has been a frequent Trump target over his push to release Epstein-related files.