Congress sent home early

Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that Congress would leave a day early for its seven-week recess. This canceled a scheduled impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Massie's impeachment articles

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth over his conduct during the Iran war. The Kentucky Republican's 34-page resolution cited violations of the War Powers Resolution.

Charges of unlawful war

Massie accused Hegseth of knowingly executing unlawful orders to initiate war without congressional authorization. He also charged the Secretary with acting contrary to his constitutional trust.

“knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders to initiate war against a foreign nation notwithstanding the absence of congressional authorization”

Bipartisan support emerges

The libertarian Massie found support across the aisle. Rep. Rashida Tlaib said Hegseth presided over civilian slaughter and genocide, adding he belongs in The Hague.

“has presided over the slaughter of thousands of civilians in immoral wars, aided and abetted genocide, and led a campaign of extrajudicial assassinations”

Johnson calls it a stunt

The Speaker dismissed the impeachment as a publicity stunt by someone seeking attention. He said the articles would be immediately tabled and accused Massie of playing games with national security.

“a publicity stunt by someone who wants attention. It will immediately be tabled, of course….We should not be playing games with national security.”

Hegseth stays silent

Hegseth hasn't commented on his potential impeachment. The Pentagon said the entire Department is unified behind the Secretary's vision to put warfighters and America first.

“entire Department is unified behind the Secretary's vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first”