Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., apologized in a social media video for missing a critical House vote on the impeachment of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing "horrific" traffic and a police motorcade that delayed her arrival at the Capitol. The House voted 211-204 to refer the impeachment resolution introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., to the Judiciary Committee, effectively blocking the immediate effort. Stansbury was among 11 Democrats and seven Republicans who missed the vote.
What the Right Is Saying
War Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the allegations during a Pentagon news conference, characterizing the impeachment effort as an attack on the military. "This is not patriotism," Hegseth said. "This is sabotage."
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth and celebrated the House vote on social media, describing the outcome as an exoneration of the defense secretary. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, included eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of misconduct related to U.S. military operations, including the war in Iran and strikes in Yemen and Venezuela.
What the Left Is Saying
Rep. Melanie Stansbury stated in a video posted Wednesday, "Let me start by saying, I am so sorry. There is no one who is more disappointed in myself than me, that I was not here the moment that gavel dropped." She explained that she was driving toward the Capitol when she encountered rush-hour congestion on Independence Avenue, where a lane closure had contributed to the delays.
Stansbury noted that a police motorcade escorting a bus away from the Capitol complex subsequently blocked traffic in both directions. "I should have been there sooner," she said. "I understand that it is my responsibility, and I am sincerely sorry, but there were definitely factors that were out of my control." She also acknowledged that Democrats lacked the votes to advance the impeachment effort even if she had been present, stating, "We did not have the numbers to move forward to impeach Pete Hegseth at this moment."
What the Numbers Show
The House voted 211-204 to refer the resolution to the Judiciary Committee. According to Axios reporter Andrew Solender, several Democrats who missed the vote were returning from an Elect Democratic Women event about 1.5 miles from the Capitol when they encountered bumper-to-bumper traffic on Independence Avenue. Solender reported that some lawmakers found alternative ways to reach the Capitol, with one getting out and walking and another being dropped off on the Senate side to avoid congestion.
The 11 Democrats who missed the vote were Stansbury, Reps. Marilyn Strickland of Washington, Julia Brownley and Lou Correa of California, Laura Gillen of New York, Steven Horsford of Nevada, Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, Nancy Pelosi of California, Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, Haley Stevens of Michigan, and Frederica Wilson of Florida. Seven Republicans also missed the vote. Stansbury noted that a conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority.
The Bottom Line
The vote effectively blocks the immediate impeachment effort, though the resolution moves to the Judiciary Committee for further review. The outcome comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the House and Senate in January, potentially setting the stage for another impeachment attempt. Stansbury’s apology highlights the logistical challenges faced by lawmakers during high-profile votes, while the vote count underscores the narrow margins in the current Congress.