Democrats Slam Absent Colleagues After Hegseth Impeachment Effort Fails

An attempt in the House to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was defeated after eleven Democratic lawmakers failed to attend the procedural vote. The motion ultimately failed by a margin of seven votes, allowing Republicans to successfully refer the articles of impeachment to a committee. Several absent Democrats defended their absence by citing severe traffic issues, police escorts, or claims that House Speaker Mike Johnson closed the vote early. However, party colleagues and incoming lawmakers expressed strong frustration, arguing that failing to show up undermined an important effort supported by the public.