The House voted 211–204 to refer the impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee, halting a planned vote on formal charges against the Pentagon chief.
Republicans in the United States House of Representatives have blocked an immediate effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, voting to send the resolution to the House Judiciary Committee instead of proceeding with a planned vote on formal charges.
The procedural motion passed by 211 votes to 204 on Tuesday, November 10, effectively derailing the immediate impeachment push against the Pentagon chief.
The resolution was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who was the only Republican to oppose the motion to refer the matter to committee. The move means the House did not proceed to a vote on whether to impeach Hegseth.
Massie’s impeachment resolution contained eight articles alleging misconduct by the Defence Secretary, including claims that he exceeded his authority in military operations, conducted military action without congressional authorisation and abused his position. Several allegations concerned US military operations involving Iran, Yemen and alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
The resolution also raised concerns over Hegseth’s handling of military personnel and his reported actions involving Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, who had urged military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders.
Hegseth rejected the impeachment effort, describing it as a political stunt and defending the administration’s military operations. President Donald Trump also publicly backed his Defence Secretary, praising his performance and dismissing the impeachment initiative.
The vote represents a setback for those seeking to hold Hegseth accountable through impeachment, although referring the resolution to committee does not amount to a formal finding on the allegations.
The political implications could extend into the coming months. Democrats are expected to take control of Congress in January following the recent midterm elections, potentially giving them another opportunity to pursue the matter.
Under the US Constitution, the House of Representatives has the authority to impeach federal officials, while the Senate conducts the trial and requires a two-thirds majority to convict and remove an official from office.
For now, the 211–204 vote has halted the immediate effort against Hegseth, leaving the impeachment resolution with the Judiciary Committee as the next stage of the process.
