Stansbury Blames Traffic for Missed Hegseth Vote

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) missed the decisive vote to block the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth due to a traffic incident and a police escort. The House passed a motion on Tuesday to refer the articles of impeachment to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the process for the current congressional session.

Lawmakers voted 211-204 to send the measure to the committee. The margin was narrow, with only one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), voting with Democrats against the referral. No Democrats supported the motion, while Rep. Kevil Kiley (I-Calif.) joined the Republicans in favor.

Stansbury stated she arrived in the House chamber moments after the vote concluded. Her office confirmed via a statement on X that she was blocked from entering the building by a traffic incident and a bus escort. "When she reached the chamber the vote had just gaveled out," the office said.

The New Mexico Democrat immediately filed a report of her "NO" vote to the motion, as recorded in the Congressional Record. Her office asserted that Hegseth must be impeached now, despite the procedural setback.

Massie, who reintroduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accused Hegseth of violating the Constitution and federal law. The articles cite military operations in Iran, Yemen, and the Caribbean. Hegseth rejected the claims, calling Massie a "one disgruntled and defeated congressman" driven by personal resentment.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) predicted on his podcast, "The Verdict," that impeachment is likely if Democrats take control of the House. Cruz argued that the incoming Democratic majority would have the necessary votes to proceed unless Hegseth resigns or President Trump fires him.

The current vote to refer the articles to committee serves as a procedural step that stalls the process until the next Congress or a change in House leadership.