GOP blocks immediate vote in Thomas Massie’s drive to impeach Hegseth; know the leader behind it

Resolution sent to committee

Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday. They accuse Hegseth of acting against three provisions of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. On Tuesday, House Republicans voted procedurally to refer the measure to the Judiciary Committee rather than hold an immediate vote. Republicans currently hold a majority on that committee. Unless it approves the resolution, the effort is expected to remain stalled for the rest of the 119th Congress.

Charges tied to Iran war

The resolution alleges Hegseth carried out unlawful orders through U.S. involvement in the Iran war. It says he directed and caused American forces to take part in hostilities against Iran without congressional approval or a declaration of war.

The measure also argues that Hegseth would remain a threat to the Constitution if he stayed in office. Hegseth called Massie’s effort a political spectacle and described it as a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.

Political support and opposition

House and Senate Democrats supported the impeachment effort, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth. Democrats could seek to revive the effort when they regain the majority in January.

Massie said some members supported certain articles but not all of them. He said that if the resolution proceeded beyond the committee referral, he would seek separate votes on each article.

Senators and Massie’s primary

Massie also lost his primary to Republican Kentucky Rep.-elect Ed Gallrein, who had Trump’s endorsement. Trump had sought to oust Massie from Congress over his criticism of Trump’s actions in Iran and his efforts to release files concerning Jeffrey Epstein.