House Republicans Send Hegseth Impeachment Resolution to Judiciary Committee

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer the impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively postponing a scheduled vote on Wednesday. The measure, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, was the only procedural amendment opposed by a member of his own party.

Republicans retain a slim majority in the House until the new Congress convenes in January, when Democrats are expected to control both chambers. Eleven Democrats were absent for the vote.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that the vote was a "TOTAL VICTORY" and said the committee would allow facts to prevail and end the "sham impeachment."

Hegseth dismissed the effort as a "farce" and a "stunt" at a Pentagon press briefing, defending his role in the Iran conflict and other operations. President Donald Trump praised Hegseth on Truth Social, writing, "Pete Hegseth gets an 'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS." Vice President J.D. Vance also said Hegseth had "obviously not" committed impeachable offenses.

Massie's eight articles of impeachment allege that Hegseth waged war without congressional authorization, citing the eight-month Iran war, a 2025 conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, and strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The resolution also accuses Hegseth of suppressing free speech by attempting to punish Senator Mark Kelly over a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders.

Hegseth responded that he stands behind each operation and would repeat them if necessary. While the committee referral halts the immediate impeachment process, it leaves open the possibility of renewed action after Democrats assume control of Congress in January. Massie, who lost his Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger, will leave office at the end of his term.