Key Facts

• Massie, a Kentucky Republican, was the only Republican to vote with Democrats against referring the resolution to committee.
• Many Republicans said Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war did not warrant impeachment, according to the article.
• The resolution alleged that Hegseth launched the Iran war without congressional approval and disregarded laws meant to reduce civilian casualties.
• It also accused Hegseth of directing extrajudicial killings in Caribbean boat strikes, ordering the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly.
• Hegseth called the impeachment effort a “farce” and argued that the allegations were policy disagreements, not impeachable offenses.
• Massie said Monday that he would not bring another resolution to impeach Hegseth; he is retiring in early January after losing his primary.
• The article says Democrats could pursue impeachment again after they take control of both chambers in January.
• The only Cabinet secretaries previously impeached were William Belknap in 1876 and Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024; the Senate acquitted Belknap, and the charges against Mayorkas were dismissed.