US House blocks Hegseth impeachment bid for now

The US House of Representatives voted to refer impeachment articles against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively blocking the effort for now. The resolution accused him of waging war on Iran without congressional approval. The 211-204 vote on Tuesday sent the measure to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, with only dissident Republican Thomas Massie supporting it. Hegseth called the effort a "farce" and "sabotage" in his first Pentagon briefing in six months. Democrats, who take control of Congress in January, can revive the impeachment resolution next year. Massie argued removal now would allow Senate confirmation of a replacement while Republicans still hold power.