Republicans block Hegseth impeachment in Congress

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211-204 on Tuesday to send an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively blocking the initiative until the next Congress convenes in January. The committee is controlled by Republicans, which stalls the effort to remove Hegseth. The next Congress begins January 3, 2027, and Democrats will hold majorities in both chambers following November's midterm elections, allowing them to attempt impeachment again with a simple House majority and two-thirds Senate vote. The resolution was introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who accused Hegseth of abuse of power over the war in Iran launched without Congressional approval. No US Defense Secretary has ever been impeached in history.