US House blocks Hegseth impeachment: resolution referred to Judiciary Committee

Procedural decision halts removal process

The US House of Representatives has effectively obstructed the impeachment of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Lawmakers voted to refer the resolution containing the articles of impeachment to the Judiciary Committee instead of proceeding to a vote on removal from office.

211 congressmen voted in favour of this procedural decision, while 204 voted against. As noted by Reuters, this move by the Republicans prevented a vote on the impeachment itself. Since the Judiciary Committee is controlled by the Republican majority, further consideration of this resolution in the current Congress session becomes virtually impossible.

Reaction from politicians and initiators

The impeachment was initiated by Thomas Massie, who was the only representative of the Republican Party to vote against referring the case to the committee.

President Donald Trump has already commented on the voting results, calling them a "full vindication" of Hegseth.

«Спроба демократів оголосити імпічмент військовому міністру Піту Гегсету провалилася! Усі республіканці, крім Томаса Мессі — закінченого невдахи, підтримали Піта» ("The Democrats' attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has failed! All Republicans, except Thomas Massie — a complete failure, supported Pete"), Trump wrote.

Outlook and previous statements

Democrats will be able to initiate the impeachment process again after they gain control of the House of Representatives in January 2027.

Earlier, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called the attempt to impeach him a political spectacle and stated that it undermines military discipline.