Washington:Several US Democratic lawmakers failed to participate in a critical House vote on Tuesday concerning a Republican-backed motion that effectively stalled impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The vote concluded with a 211-204 decision to refer the impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee, halting the current effort.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, some Democratic lawmakers attributed their absence from the vote to traffic congestion and a police-escorted motorcade, which delayed their arrival at the Capitol. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury cited a traffic incident involving a bus under police escort as the reason for her failure to reach the Capitol before the vote closed. She expressed on the US social media platform X that House Republicans used a procedural motion to prevent the impeachment of Hegseth by sending it to the Judiciary Committee. Stansbury documented her intended 'NO' vote, which was entered into the Congressional Record, and stressed the urgency of impeaching Hegseth.
Other Democrats also experienced similar disruptions. Laura Gillen mentioned being obstructed by the same police escort, resulting in her inability to vote. She stated on X that she would have opposed the motion and strongly supports Hegseth's impeachment. Additionally, Brittany Pettersen expressed her frustration on X about missing the vote, accusing House leadership of hindering the lawmakers' participation.
Stansbury was among 11 Democratic lawmakers who missed the vote, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Marilyn Strickland. Strickland's chief of staff noted that she arrived at the Capitol shortly after the vote concluded due to being caught behind a motorcade, intending to vote against the motion.
Axios reported that the PAC Elect Democratic Women held an event concurrent with the vote, which contributed to several lawmakers arriving late. Although a retiring Republican initiated the now-defeated impeachment effort, House Democrats have pledged to renew their push to impeach Hegseth after January 3, when they anticipate gaining a majority in the new Congress.
Hegseth has criticized the impeachment effort, stating at a press conference, "This is not patriotism. This is sabotage."