House adjourns early, delaying impeachment vote on Defense Secretary

Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that House members will leave Washington early for a seven-week campaigning recess ahead of the midterm elections, effectively postponing a vote on Rep. Thomas Mass\'s impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republicans had planned to stay in session until Thursday, but will now take their final votes Wednesday evening on a Russia sanctions bill before departing. Johnson said the recess allows lawmakers to return to their districts and address voters.

Mass\'s resolution, which accuses Hegseth of abusing his authority in the U.S. war with Iran and acting without congressional authorization, triggered a procedural clock that would have required a floor vote in the coming days. By ending the session early, GOP leaders can defer the impeachment vote until after the November elections.

When asked if the early adjournment was intended to shield members from the impeachment vote, Johnson denied any connection to the defense secretary and criticized Mass\'s move as a "publicity stunt" that would be tabled later. He added that the chamber should not "play games with national security."

Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Hegseth, stating the secretary follows the law and that the Department of Justice ensures compliance with legal requirements.