Congress Faces Hegseth Impeachment Vote and Funding Deadline

Washington is preparing for a contentious week as members of Congress return for a lame-duck session following the midterm elections. The agenda is dominated by a proposed vote to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office and the urgent need to secure funding for federal operations.

Outgoing Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky intends to introduce a privileged resolution to initiate impeachment proceedings against Hegseth. This procedural move forces the House to cast a vote immediately. Massie stated that the only ways to prevent the vote are if Hegseth resigns or if President Donald Trump terminates his service.

Hegseth responded to the developing situation by posting a video on X. He characterized the move as political theater designed to destroy opponents. He noted that this strategy did not succeed against President Trump and implied it would not succeed against him either.

Simultaneously, lawmakers must begin work on extending government funding. The current continuing resolution, which was passed earlier this year, expires on December 11. Without new legislation or an extension, the government will face a funding lapse. This deadline adds pressure to an already crowded legislative calendar.

The return of Congress also marks the start of freshman orientation for newly elected members. House Republicans will hold a leadership vote to determine who will lead the party in the minority. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced he is not a candidate for the next Minority Leader position.

Two primary candidates are vying to replace Johnson as the GOP leader. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, currently the House Majority Leader, is one contender. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, is the other. Both men are positioned to shape the party's strategy in the coming year.