House Republicans halt impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The US House of Representatives voted 211-204 to refer impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the proceedings since Republicans control the panel. Only one Republican, Thomas Massie, joined Democrats in opposing the referral. Massie's resolution contains eight charges, including waging war without congressional approval, disregarding civilian protection laws, and deadly strikes on suspected drug smugglers. Hegseth dismissed the accusations as a "farce," receiving support from President Donald Trump. Democrats, who backed the impeachment effort, will gain congressional control next year following their midterm election victory and could launch a new attempt. Hegseth would be the first US defense secretary to face such proceedings.