Jeffries urges removal of Defense Secretary Hegseth and pledges war-powers action on Iran
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will seek a war-powers resolution to end the Iran conflict and called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s resignation, while stopping short of endorsing impeachment.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told NPR’s Morning Edition that Democrats plan to use their majorities in both chambers to advance a war-powers resolution aimed at ending the United States’ involvement in Iran, which he described as a "war of choice" that has driven up gas, diesel and fertilizer prices. He said the resolution would require President Trump’s signature or a veto, and noted that a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate would be needed to override a veto, a threshold Democrats do not yet meet.
Jeffries declined to endorse impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing him as "the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history" and saying "he's got to go," but added that any decision on impeachment would be made by the Democratic caucus. He referenced Republican Rep. Thomas Massie’s threat to introduce eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns.
The leader also said House Judiciary and Oversight committees will investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration and that the party will continue to pursue policies to lower the cost of groceries, gas and housing. Jeffries emphasized that the choice of future Democratic leadership, including the next speaker, will be decided by the House Democratic Caucus.