Hegseth impeachment vote expected as lawmakers return

The lame-duck session begins in Washington this week with two immediate priorities for the 119th Congress. Lawmakers must decide whether to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and extend federal funding before it expires on December 11.

Outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., plans to bring a privileged resolution to the House floor. This procedural move forces a vote on impeachment. Massie stated that the only alternatives are Hegseth resigning or President Donald Trump firing him. The current continuing resolution keeps the government running until December 11, at which point a new funding bill is required to avoid a lapse in operations.

Hegseth responded to the planned vote by posting a video on X. He described the effort as political theater and a campaign of personal destruction. “It didn’t work with President Trump and it won’t work with me,” Hegseth said. “You can rest assured of that.”

The week also marks the arrival of the newest members of Congress for freshman orientation. House Republicans will use this time to elect a new leadership team after losing the majority in last week’s midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., confirmed he will not seek the position of Minority Leader.

Two candidates are currently vying to lead the GOP caucus. Current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, are the primary contenders. The leadership vote is expected to take place during this week’s session as the chamber reorganizes.