Democrat roasted after blaming traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote
Stansbury explains her absence
Stansbury said Tuesday that a traffic incident and a police escort for a bus had kept her from entering the Capitol in time to vote. In a video, she apologized for not being present when the vote was called.
She said she had been among the original co-sponsors of an earlier impeachment resolution, which she backed after concluding Hegseth was breaking the law. Stansbury added that the missed vote would not end her efforts.
Other members were recorded absent
Democratic representatives Julia Brownley, Lou Correa, Lauren Gillen, Steven Horsford, Jonathan Jackson, Nancy Pelosi, Brittany Pettersen, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Frederica Wilson and Stansbury were recorded as not voting. According to Solender, some members whose cars were stopped managed to reach the Capitol by other means. At least one walked, while another was dropped off on the Senate side to avoid traffic.
Online criticism follows apology
Stansbury’s apology did not quiet criticism on social media. One user proposed expelling representatives after three missed votes, while another questioned her priorities and referred to a reception for Elect Democratic Women that began at 4:30.
A separate user mocked the traffic explanation. The article does not establish whether Stansbury attended the reception or whether it affected her ability to reach the vote.
Key points
- Stansbury missed the vote to impeach Pete Hegseth and blamed traffic and a police-escorted bus.
- Eleven Democratic representatives were recorded as not voting.
- Stansbury apologized and said her efforts against Hegseth would continue.
- Some social media users criticized her absence, while reporting described alternate routes taken by other members.