Hegseth Impeachment Vote Looms Monday

A House vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled for Monday, a procedural step driven by the party’s new majority in the lower chamber. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky plans to introduce fresh articles of impeachment that day. This action replaces a previous measure he filed before the midterm elections. Massie provided an advance copy of the new document to Politico.

More than 100 incoming members and prospective candidates arrived at the Capitol on Sunday for orientation. The group included mostly Democrats, along with several Republicans. Many attendees expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety regarding their future duties. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become speaker, is set to meet with many of these new faces this week.

Jeffries faces competing demands from his incoming cohort regarding how to manage the relationship with President Donald Trump. Some freshmen elected in Republican-leaning districts advocate for collaboration with the executive branch. Others oppose any form of compromise. Jeffries must balance these internal divisions with the expectations of the Democratic base, which calls for a confrontational approach to administration policies. The leadership team also considers the political calendar through 2028.

Affordability stands as a top priority for the new group. Incoming Rep. Fred Wellman of Missouri stated he is eager to work with party leaders on an agenda addressing costs and corruption. Michigan Rep.-elect William Lawrence argued that Democrats should present legislation to the president and press him to sign it. Lawrence said the party needs to demonstrate that it is advancing popular policies on behalf of American voters.

The immediate focus remains on Hegseth, who is overseeing the war effort in Iran. Jeffries told ABC News over the weekend that he is a hard yes on impeachment. Several House Republicans believe the measure could pass after their party suffered election losses. Some GOP lawmakers are seeking to assign responsibility for those defeats. Attendance will likely be decisive, as dozens of defeated Republicans may miss the vote. This absence could allow the measure to pass with support from only a few remaining GOP members.

Democrats attacked Republican support for the Iran conflict during their campaign. Even if Hegseth survives this week’s vote, further action is likely when Democrats assume control of the House next year. Meanwhile, the Senate faces its own procedural test on Monday. Lawmakers will vote on a bipartisan agreement intended to accelerate approvals for energy projects. Supporters view this lame-duck session as their best chance to pass the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Resistance from hesitant Democrats, key leaders, and tribal groups could still prevent the legislation from advancing.