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Missed Hegseth vote disappointed Americans, Democratic leader says
Reuters • • general
Key Points:
- House Democratic whip Katherine Clark expressed disappointment in Democrats who missed the vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying they let down the American people.
- The impeachment effort failed with a 211-204 vote, as 11 Democrats were absent and all present Democrats opposed the motion; only one Republican, Thomas Massie, supported it.
- Many absent Democrats cited traffic delays or personal emergencies, while some criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for closing the vote quickly to protect Hegseth.
- Democrats plan to attempt impeachment again next year when they control both the House and Senate, though removal would require a two-thirds Senate vote, making acquittal likely.
- The vote occurred amid a recent election wave favoring Democrats, who won several key districts and Senate battleground states previously held by Republicans.
