WASHINGTON — Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 15, 2026, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors related to the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran.
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Massie filed the privileged resolution on the House floor, forcing the chamber to act within two days. He alleged that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by continuing military operations without congressional authorization beyond the legal deadline.
"This abuse of office frustrated Congress' ability to exercise its most solemn constitutional responsibility," Massie said in his floor speech. He outlined eight specific charges centered on the undeclared war that has stretched for months and depleted U.S. munitions stocks.
I joined @kaitlancollins on @TheSourceCNN to discuss why Congress is adjourning early.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) September 17, 2026
Leaving Washington tomorrow prevents a vote on my Articles of Impeachment against SecDef Hegseth & stops us from securing the last 2 signatures needed for our EFTA II discharge petition.
House Republican leadership responded by canceling the final day of session before the midterm recess, effectively delaying any vote on the impeachment resolution until after the November elections. Massie and several Democrats criticized the move as an attempt to avoid a difficult floor fight.
Seven Republicans joined Democrats earlier in the week in a symbolic War Powers Act vote opposing the continued conflict. The Iran war has cost the Pentagon more than $38 billion through early August, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates, and has raised questions about depleted interceptor missile stockpiles.
Hegseth has faced separate criticism in recent months over leadership friction that led to the resignation of the Army secretary and concerns about military readiness. The White House has not issued a detailed response to the impeachment effort.
Based on House floor statements, reporting from major outlets, and public records as of September 17, 2026.
