The U.S. House of Representatives has begun an early recess ahead of the midterm campaign period, leaving several contested measures unresolved, including Republican Rep. Thomas Massie’s effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war.
Associated Press reported that Speaker Mike Johnson defended the chamber’s legislative record, while Massie criticized the decision to leave Washington with unfinished business. Massie had introduced articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of involvement in military action that he argues lacked proper congressional authorization. The Pentagon has rejected the criticism and backed the defense secretary.
A procedural fight with a political backdrop
The disagreement comes weeks before U.S. voters decide control of Congress. Republicans and Democrats are both using the recess to campaign, while lawmakers remain divided over war powers, federal spending and oversight of the administration.
Johnson described Massie’s impeachment effort as a political stunt. Massie, who is leaving Congress after losing his primary, argued that lawmakers should remain in session to debate the Iran conflict and other oversight matters.
The resolution has not been adopted, and the House recess means no immediate vote is expected. Any impeachment effort would require support in the House and, if approved there, a separate Senate trial. Trevora News is reporting the competing claims as attributed positions rather than assessing their merits.
