House Republicans block impeachment of Defense Secretary Hegseth

Republicans in the US House blocked an impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a 211-204 vote on Tuesday, shielding him from removal before Democrats take control of Congress in January. The procedural motion referred eight impeachment articles to the Republican-led Judiciary Committee, effectively killing the push. Sponsor Thomas Massie, an outgoing Republican, drew no GOP support, while 11 Democrats abstained, including Nancy Pelosi, who said she was attending a veterans event. Hegseth, who would have been the first defense secretary impeached, faces potential renewed Democratic efforts next year over the Iran war and other policies. Voter anger over the conflict helped Democrats win the midterms, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows most Americans want Congress to end the war.