The House of Representatives decisively shut down Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, referring the resolution to committee in a 211-204 vote. Massie stood alone in opposition—the only Republican to vote against the procedural motion—as the measure was effectively killed without further debate.
A Lone Republican Dissent
Massie, who lost his primary earlier this year and will leave Congress in January, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth over military engagements in Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. The resolution marked his final legislative push before departing Washington, but it was met with immediate resistance from his own party. Not a single House Republican joined Massie in opposing the motion to table the impeachment effort.
Doomed From the Start
The Kentucky congressman had previously attempted to force a vote on impeachment proceedings ahead of the midterm elections in September, but the effort was blocked when the House adjourned before members could take action. Tuesday’s vote served as the definitive end to Massie’s quixotic campaign against Hegseth, with Democrats unanimously supporting the motion to sideline the measure.
Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has frequently clashed with party leadership during his tenure. His loss to Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein in the primary signaled dwindling influence, and his impeachment push further underscored his isolation within the GOP conference.
Republican Silence Speaks Volumes
The overwhelming Republican rejection of Massie’s resolution demonstrates the lack of appetite among House conservatives for impeachment proceedings against a Biden administration official, particularly ahead of the next election cycle. While some have criticized Hegseth’s handling of foreign operations, none were willing to endorse Massie’s aggressive approach.
With his congressional career winding down, Massie’s failed impeachment bid will likely be remembered as an ill-fated parting shot rather than a serious political maneuver.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/massies-hegseth-impeachment-push-crashes-with-zero-gop-backup