Republican congressman Thomas Massie has moved to force a vote on the impeachment of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his authority through military operations conducted without proper congressional authorisation.
Massie introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives on Monday, 9 November, reviving an impeachment effort that had been raised before Congress adjourned ahead of the midterm elections.
The measure contains eight articles of impeachment, with several focused on the US military campaign against Iran. Other allegations concern operations in Yemen and Venezuela, the treatment of civilians during military action and the use of force against suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
Massie argues that Hegseth carried out military operations in violation of constitutional limits and the War Powers Resolution, which governs the circumstances under which a president may commit American forces to hostilities.
The allegations have not been adjudicated, and introducing articles of impeachment does not mean that Hegseth has been impeached.
The Kentucky Republican is seeking to use House procedures that could require lawmakers to consider the resolution by Wednesday. Congressional leaders may also seek to table the measure or refer it to committee rather than proceed directly to an impeachment vote.
Hegseth has rejected the criticism and defended the administration's military decisions, arguing that operations against Iran and other targets were necessary for American national security.
President Donald Trump has continued to support the defence secretary despite mounting political pressure following the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress for the next legislative term.
The impeachment effort comes as lawmakers return to Washington for a lame-duck session, with questions about the Iran war, government spending and congressional oversight expected to dominate the agenda.
Massie, who has repeatedly challenged the administration's approach to military intervention, maintains that Congress must exercise its constitutional authority over decisions involving war.
Supporters of the administration have characterised the impeachment campaign as politically motivated. House Republican leaders have also opposed the effort, leaving its immediate prospects uncertain.
Even if the House votes to impeach Hegseth, removal from office would require a Senate conviction supported by a two-thirds majority of senators present.
The dispute could nevertheless force lawmakers to take a public position on the administration's military actions at a time when the Iran conflict and its economic consequences remain major political issues.
Hegseth has announced plans to address the impeachment effort at a press conference on Tuesday.
For now, the defence secretary remains in office, and no congressional decision has been reached on the allegations.
