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GOP branded ‘sinking ship’ as Republicans block efforts to impeach Hegseth – US politics live
Republicans blocked a bid to impeach defence secretary Pete Hegseth, sending the articles to the House judiciary committee in a 211–204 vote. The result showed continued Republican support for Hegseth and reluctance to oppose Donald Trump, even after the party’s heavy midterm losses.
Republican Thomas Massie, who brought the effort, called the GOP a “sinking ship”; he was the only Republican to oppose the referral, alongside all Democrats who voted. Eleven Democratic representatives reportedly missed the vote, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said members could discuss another effort when the new Congress begins in January. The article also reports that Jim Jordan won the contest to lead House Republicans and that a judge allowed Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit against the BBC to proceed.
In short
- Republicans sent Hegseth’s impeachment articles to committee.
- The referral passed 211–204, largely along party lines.
- Democrats may revisit impeachment when the new Congress meets.
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The case for
Republicans could argue that sending the impeachment articles to committee is a proper way to review the allegations before deciding whether they warrant a full House vote. They may also contend that removing a defence secretary is a serious step that should require persuasive evidence and broad support, rather than serve as a vehicle for partisan conflict.
The case against
Supporters of impeachment could argue that Congress has a duty to scrutinise a cabinet secretary and that blocking the articles from advancing prevents that accountability, especially after major electoral losses raised questions about the party’s direction. They may say that referral without a clear timetable or commitment to examine the allegations risks shielding Hegseth for political reasons.
Explained simply
Pete Hegseth is the US defence secretary, the senior official in charge of the Department of Defense. Impeachment is a process in which the House of Representatives can formally accuse a federal official of misconduct; the Senate would then decide whether to convict and remove them.
The House is divided between Republicans and Democrats, and the party with the most seats usually has greater influence over which measures are considered. Thomas Massie is a Republican representative who has sometimes broken with his party, while Hakeem Jeffries leads the House Democrats. Donald Trump is the Republican president, whose relationship with his party’s lawmakers can shape their decisions.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “GOP branded ‘sinking ship’ as Republicans block efforts to impeach Hegseth – US politics live”.