Why it Matters
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) filed a resolution to impeach Pete Hegseth as the 119th Congress's lame duck session may take up a continuing resolution to fund the government.Massie alleged that Hegseth had “abused” his powers as defense secretary and had “knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders” by carrying out strikes against Iran. The congressman said that Hegseth “will remain a threat to the constitution if allowed to remain in office.”
Introducing the impeachment articles Monday will force a vote by Wednesday evening, or House Republicans could punt the effort by either referring the resolution to the House Judiciary Committee or voting to table it. If passed, the measure will then head to the Senate, which will have to hold a trial or seek to dismiss the charges.
What They're Saying
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) posted on Nov. 8: "Hard Yes on the Hegseth impeachment resolution."
Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) put the funding bill first. In a Nov. 8 post she wrote, "But first, we need to pass a government funding bill," and said Congress "could vote as soon as this week to impeach Pete Hegseth."
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tied the continuing resolution to the Iran war on Nov. 9: "We can do this by insisting on no funding for Iran combat activities in the continuing resolution."
Massie, on Nov. 9, answered the impeachment question: "The question is whether he committed impeachable acts, and the answer is yes, eight times."
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) laid out what Republicans must accomplish in the lame-duck session on Nov. 9: "The agenda is clear. The promises were made." His post lists a reconciliation bill that cuts spending, codifying President Trump's border policies, permitting reform, a ban on congressional stock trading and securing elections.
On the impeachment effort, TIME reported that President Trump defended Hegseth amid the push, in a Nov. 9 report.
Bottom Line
The next step is a House vote on Massie's impeachment resolution.
Defense Secretary Hegseth said he plans to hold a press conference Tuesday.
Introducing the impeachment articles Monday will force a vote by Wednesday evening, or House Republicans could move the effort by either referring the resolution to the House Judiciary Committee or voting to table it. If passed, the measure will then head to the Senate, which will have to hold a trial or seek to dismiss the charges.
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