The key facts

  • The US House of Representatives voted 211–204 to send the impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, halting its consideration
  • 11 Democrats missed the vote, including Nancy Pelosi; some explained this by traffic jams and a police motorcade near the Capitol
  • Democrats said they intend to return to impeachment after January 3, when they will hold a majority in the new Congress

The Vote That Halted Impeachment

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 211–204 to send the impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee. This procedural decision effectively postpones consideration of the case indefinitely. The resolution was introduced by a retiring Republican, and the initiative initially had no chance of advancing after this vote.

Democrats Who Missed the Vote

The outcome could have been different: according to The Hill, 11 Democrats did not participate in the vote, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Marilyn Strickland. Several lawmakers explained their absence with transportation problems. Melanie Stansbury said a traffic accident and a bus under police escort prevented her from reaching the Capitol before the vote closed; she stated that she immediately submitted a report of her intention to vote 'no,' and her position was entered into the Congressional Record. Laura Gillen wrote that she was stuck behind the same motorcade 'when Republicans closed the vote,' and would also have voted no. Brittany Pettersen blamed House leadership, saying that Speaker Mike Johnson 'worked overtime' to shield Hegseth from accountability. According to Axios, at the same time as the vote, the political action committee Elect Democratic Women was holding an event attended by several lawmakers who arrived late to the vote. Strickland's chief of staff said the congresswoman was caught behind the motorcade and arrived a minute after the vote closed, intending to vote no.

What Comes Next

Democrats promised to return to the impeachment attempt after January 3, when their party will hold a majority in the new Congress. Hegseth himself previously rejected attempts to remove him, saying at a press conference: 'This is not patriotism. This is sabotage.' For now, the question has been sent to committee, and the prospects for its consideration in the current composition of the House remain uncertain.