WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eleven House Democrats missed Tuesday’s vote on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s impeachment, providing Republicans enough votes to derail the effort despite GOP concerns that the measure might advance.
The House voted 211-204 to refer Rep. Thomas Massie’s eight articles of impeachment to the Judiciary Committee rather than proceed with them. Massie was the only Republican voting against referral. Had all 11 absent Democrats voted with the rest of their caucus, the motion would have failed 215-211.
The absent Democrats were Julia Brownley of California, Lou Correa of California, Laura Gillen of New York, Steven Horsford of Nevada, Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, Nancy Pelosi of California, Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, Haley Stevens of Michigan, Marilyn Strickland of Washington, and Frederica Wilson of Florida.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove sharply criticized the no-shows, saying Democrats knew the vote was coming and “should have gotten their raggedy selves up these steps to vote.”
Several lawmakers offered explanations. Pelosi was attending a Veterans Day event in San Francisco. Correa was undergoing a medical procedure. Stansbury and Jackson said traffic and a police-escorted bus prevented them from reaching the chamber, while Strickland said a motorcade delayed her arrival. Pettersen said she was denied the opportunity to vote.
Massie’s articles accuse Hegseth of unauthorized warfare, civilian-protection violations and extrajudicial killings, among other allegations. Hegseth denies wrongdoing.
The failure is temporary: Democrats, who take control of the House in January, can revive impeachment proceedings.
Sources:
- Reuters – MBFC Rating
- U.S. House Clerk Roll Call 317 – Government Primary Source
- Mediaite – MBFC Rating
- Washington Examiner – MBFC Rating
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