The Hegseth Vote Was Jeffries’s First Big Test. He Failed.

The House failed to advance an impeachment resolution against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth after 11 Democrats missed the vote, prompting criticism of party discipline and leadership under Hakeem Jeffries. The article argues the missed vote was an early test for Democrats after their election gains, and a lost chance to signal opposition to the Trump administration.

The resolution, introduced by Republican Thomas Massie, failed 211 to 204 while Republicans still controlled the chamber. Several absent Democrats later apologised or cited traffic, illness, travel or other commitments; one said she had attended a super PAC event. Massie said he believed Speaker Mike Johnson could have rallied enough Republicans to defeat it regardless.