House Republicans Block Impeachment Bid Against Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth

UPDATE - follow-up to U.S. Republicans derail bid to impeach Hegseth: Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives blocked an effort to impeach Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The House voted 211 to 204 to send the impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee, halting a planned Wednesday vote on formal charges.

Details of the Vote

Republican Thomas Massie introduced the resolution and was the only member of his party to oppose the procedural maneuver. Eleven Democrats missed the vote. Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority until Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress in January. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell hailed the vote as a total victory on X.

Charges and Defense

Mr. Massie's eight articles of impeachment accused Mr. Hegseth of illegally waging war without congressional authorisation and abusing powers. The charges covered the eight-month Iran war, the 2025 conflict with Yemen's Houthis, and Caribbean and eastern Pacific drug boat strikes. Mr. Hegseth dismissed the effort as a farce and stunt during a Pentagon press conference, while President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance both defended him. The sending of the resolution to committee stops the immediate drive but leaves open the possibility that Democrats could revive it after taking control of Congress in January.

Context

Congressional committees often review resolutions to examine evidence and decide whether to send them further, which can delay or end legislative action. Midterm elections in the United States routinely shift the balance of power in the House and Senate, altering which party sets the agenda for investigations and votes.