Vor den Midterms: Wegen Hegseth? US-Repräsentantenhaus zieht Ferien vor

As the United States House of Representatives prepares to debate a resolution to impeach Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, the chamber has preemptively scheduled a break. Instead of convening on Thursday, lawmakers will leave for their mid-week recess following the vote. This move came after Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth, alleging "serious crimes and malfeasance" in connection with the Iran war.

Massie claimed the Pentagon chief posed a "threat to the Constitution" and accused the US of waging war in Iran without congressional authorization. With Republican control of both chambers in Congress, the impeachment resolution faces slim prospects of success. However, the House had to consider the matter this week, as parliamentary rules call for a vote within two session days - no later than Thursday.

Amid the election campaign, the unpopular war in Iran would have been brought back to the forefront. The next scheduled session day, however, is only in November, following the congressional elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed Massie's bid as a ploy to draw attention. Massie's tenure in Congress has been marred by his feud with former President Donald Trump, who criticized his stance on Iran policy and his loss of the party's nomination.

Thus, Massie is not up for re-election in the upcoming midterms. This is the second time in a year that an impeachment proceeding has been initiated against Hegseth: previously in April by Democratic Congressman Yassamin Ansari. She accused the Republican of endangering US troops through the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, abusing his office, and behaving unworthy of the position.