House Adjourns Early as Impeachment Push Against Hegseth Stalls

Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution by launching unauthorized attacks against Iran and overseeing extrajudicial boat bombings in the Caribbean and Pacific. The lawmaker cited a specific strike in Minab, Iran, that resulted in the deaths of over 150 children and teachers, alongside claims that at least 230 people have died in maritime operations since last September. Because the resolution was privileged, it required a House response within two legislative days, a deadline now pushed into November by the early recess.

Johnson dismissed the move as a "publicity stunt" and claimed Hegseth has performed an "extraordinary job" amid ongoing international conflict. However, Democrats have sharply criticized the maneuver. Representative Pramila Jayapal labeled the leadership "cowards" for avoiding public accountability, while Representative Mike Levin argued the Speaker acted out of fear that the impeachment measure would gain sufficient traction. Public sentiment remains largely at odds with Johnson’s defense; recent polling indicates that nearly two-thirds of Americans view the war in Iran as unjustified and disapprove of the current administration’s handling of the crisis.