US House blocks Republican bid to impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth

The US House of Representatives voted 211-204 on Tuesday to refer impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the effort. The Republican-controlled committee makes the proceedings unlikely to advance. The resolution was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who accused Hegseth of unconstitutional actions including waging war in Iran without congressional approval and disregarding laws on civilian casualties. Hegseth dismissed the allegations as a "farce," while Democrats supported the impeachment push. Democrats, who won control of Congress in last week's midterm elections, could attempt a new impeachment effort when they take power in January. Hegseth would have been the first US defense secretary to face such proceedings.