House Speaker Johnson sends Congress home early, delaying Hegseth impeachment vote - fox34.com

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the impeachment resolution over Hegseth's handling of the U.S. War with Iran. Massie accuses Hegseth of abusing his authority and carrying out unlawful orders, a claim that put fellow Republicans in the awkward spot of voting on a member of their own administration right before campaign season kicked into gear.

Johnson defended sending members home by pointing to the House's output this term. He called this Congress the second-most productive since 1789, citing more than 900 pieces of legislation passed during that time.

For people who follow Washington from West Texas, the delay means one of the more dramatic fights in Congress goes on hold while representatives head back to their districts to campaign. Whether Hegseth stays in his post or faces a formal impeachment vote now waits on an election outcome instead of a floor vote this fall. Massie's resolution does not disappear, it just sits until lawmakers return.

A sitting Defense Secretary is one House vote away from an impeachment fight that could resume the moment the midterms wrap.