11 absent Democrats help Republicans block Hegseth impeachment vote
Why it matters: Seven more Democratic votes could have forced House debate and a follow-up vote on impeaching Pete Hegseth.
Republicans in the House blocked Rep. Thomas Massie’s effort to force impeachment proceedings against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth after 11 Democrats missed a key procedural vote. The absences drew criticism because just seven more Democrats present would have been enough to stop the GOP move and send the matter to floor debate, with a potential impeachment vote as soon as the next day. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is seeking the speakership as Democrats prepare to take the majority, faced blowback over the missed votes. Rep. Melanie Stansbury said in a video that she and other Democrats were stuck in traffic, while other accounts cited a fundraiser and medical procedures for some lawmakers.