Eight impeachment charges put House leaders on a two-day clock as Thomas Massie moves to force vote on Pete Hegseth

Resolution Sets House Deadline

Massie read the eight charges on the House floor Monday. He accused Hegseth of committing “high crimes and misdemeanors,” a phrase Massie used to describe actions connected to the Iran war and Pentagon strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean.

House Republican leaders must act within two legislative days, so a decision is expected by the end of the week. They can schedule a vote on impeachment, seek a vote to table the resolution or move to return it to committee; each option requires majority support.

Earlier Effort Was Blocked

Massie first introduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth in September. House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled planned votes and ended the session early, preventing a vote until after the election.

The effort returned as lawmakers reconvened for the lame-duck session after Democrats’ sweeping midterm gains. The article links those gains in part to voter dissatisfaction with the Iran war and its effect on household finances.

Democrats Signal Support

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed the resolution Sunday, saying he was “a hard yes” when asked about it on ABC’s “This Week.” At a news conference Monday, he said he saw no reason for Hegseth to remain in the position and expected some Republicans to back the measure. Jeffries’ support may indicate how House Democrats will vote, though the timing and strategy have been points of disagreement within the caucus. Democrats are set to take control of Congress in January.

Republican Responses Differ

Johnson condemned the effort as a “cheap trick” for political gain. He argued that impeaching a Cabinet secretary during hostilities abroad would send a damaging message to allies and adversaries.

Vote Prospects Remain Unclear

Two Republicans told MS NOW they believed the resolution could pass if it reached the House floor. One said they were inclined to support it and criticized Hegseth’s performance, adding that he should resign.

A source familiar with Hegseth’s advisers’ thinking said they believe the secretary has a solid defense and do not expect the process to reach a trial before Congress adjourns. Massie is in his final months in the House after losing his May primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, who defeated Democrat Melissa Strange in Tuesday’s general election.