House Republicans block Hegseth impeachment vote

House Republicans on Tuesday voted 211-204 to refer articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively ending the effort led by outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) until the next Congress. Massie, who introduced eight articles accusing Hegseth of unlawful conduct in military operations including the Iran war, was the only Republican to support advancing the measure, while no Democrats opposed it. Hegseth dismissed the effort as a "farce" and "stunt" driven by "ego and resentment." Democrats, who will hold majorities in the next Congress, said they are not currently discussing renewed impeachment efforts but plan to focus on oversight. Massie lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger earlier this year.