Hegseth survives impeachment push as Democrats lash colleagues who failed to show up for House vote

House vote sends measure onward

The House voted 211-204 to refer the impeachment matter to the Judiciary Committee, which is led by Republicans. The vote came while the GOP still holds its majority, a position set to last until January.

The measure is considered unlikely to advance in the committee before the new year. Democrats are due to take control of the 120th Congress when it is sworn in.

Democrats criticize absent members

Democrats voiced anger that 11 members of their caucus missed the vote. They said the absences may have affected the outcome. California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove told MeidasTouch reporter Pablo Manriquez that members knew the vote was coming. She said attendance was no excuse for losing and criticized colleagues for not getting to the House in time.

Traffic cited as one reason

Axios reporter Andrew Solender said several House members told him some colleagues were returning from an Elect Democratic Women event. They were caught in heavy traffic on Independence Avenue, about 1.5 miles from the Capitol complex.