US House to Vote on Impeachment Resolution Against Defence Secretary Hegseth Today

WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives will vote today at 5:30pm local time on an impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resolution was tabled on Monday by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie.

Massie contends that Hegseth broke the law by launching military action against Iran without Congressional approval. He says that under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, military action must end within 60 days unless Congress authorises it, and the war with Iran has now lasted 256 days.

Hegseth has dismissed the impeachment efforts as a ‘circus’ and a ‘political drama’. He says the military operations against Venezuela and Iran were lawful, were carried out on the orders of the commander-in-chief, and that Congress was informed. President Donald Trump backed Hegseth on Truth Social and called Massie a ‘complete failure’.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also oppose the impeachment. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has announced his support, accusing Hegseth of abusing his powers and waging a costly and unnecessary war against Iran. Senator Chris Coons said that if the President does not remove him, Congress will.

Reuters, citing Congressional sources, reported that the resolution may have the votes needed for passage. CBS reported that it could receive support from members of both parties. If the resolution passes the House by a simple majority, the official is not removed immediately, and the matter goes to the Senate.

According to Reuters, removing Hegseth in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats, so the prospect is considered unlikely. Democrats will take control of the House on 3 January.