GOP Republicans send Massie impeachment resolution to committee as Hegseth survived immediate vote

Resolution sent to committee

Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced eight impeachment charges on Monday. They accused Hegseth of acting against three provisions of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. In Tuesday’s procedural vote, House Republicans referred the resolution to the Judiciary Committee instead of holding an immediate vote. Republicans currently hold a majority on the committee. Unless it approves the resolution, the impeachment effort is expected to remain stalled through the rest of the 119th Congress.

Massie sought separate votes

Massie said some members agreed with certain impeachment articles but not all of them. He said he would seek a separate vote on each charge if the referral motion failed and lawmakers considered the articles.

The resolution alleged that Hegseth carried out unlawful orders through U.S. involvement in the Iran war. Massie said Hegseth directed U.S. forces into hostilities against Iran without congressional approval or a declaration of war, and the resolution described him as a continuing threat to the Constitution if he stayed in office.

Hegseth and Democrats respond

Hegseth rejected the effort, calling it a political spectacle driven by personal motives. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth. House and Senate Democrats backed the effort. They could pursue impeachment after taking the majority in the next Congress, with House Democrats able to revive the push in January.

Republicans weigh possible trial

Massie lost his primary to Republican Ed Gallrein, who received Trump’s endorsement. Trump had wanted Massie removed from Congress over his criticism of Trump’s actions in Iran and his effort to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.