The resolution contains eight articles of impeachment, including those related to military actions against Iran
The US House of Representatives has initiated impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over the conduct of hostilities against Iran without Congressional authorization. Congressman Thomas Massie introduced the resolution, which was granted privileged status. This was reported by Glavcom citing Reuters, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie addressed the House of Representatives, where he spent over an hour reading eight articles of impeachment. Because the initiative was granted privileged status, the chamber must consider the document within the two legislative days remaining before the session ends on Thursday.
The first three charges are based on violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. According to Massie, the military actions against Iran are illegal because the Secretary failed to comply with the Congressional mandate to withdraw troops following a decision by both chambers and exceeded the statutory time limits for operations.
Additional charges against the Trump administration
The remaining charges concern a series of other decisions made under the leadership of Donald Trump. These include the failure to minimize civilian casualties during operations in the Caribbean Sea, as well as the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during Operation Absolute Resolve in January.
The document also mentions Operation Rough Rider in Yemen, which was conducted without Congressional approval, and the harassment of Senator Mark Kelly, who had criticized the military leadership’s orders. As of August 1, the cost of the war with Iran had reached $38 billion, with budget analysts expecting that figure to rise by another $3 billion monthly.
Pentagon’s response
Pentagon spokeswoman Kingsley Wilson emphasized the Department’s full support for the Secretary of Defense. “The entire Department is united around the Secretary’s vision and will continue to work to put our service members and America first,” Wilson stated.
Experts note that the chances of a successful impeachment are extremely low. However, this process may force Republicans to officially clarify their position on Pentagon policy ahead of the elections on November 3.
Photo: Департамент війни США
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