A Republican congressman calls for Pete Hegseth’s impeachment in connection with the war in Iran

Republican Thomas Massie, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of abuse of office by carrying out hostile actions against Iran without congressional approval.

The resolution has little chance of passing, but its filing could force a vote on the House floor. The procedure could create difficulties for some Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, scheduled for November 3.

Massie requested that the articles be considered as a matter of priority, requiring the House to review them within two legislative days. The Pentagon said that the entire department supports Hegseth’s leadership and that the priority remains service members and the interests of the United States.

The congressman from Kentucky is a vocal critic of the war against Iran and of support for Israel. He is no longer running for another term after losing the May primary to Ed Gallrein, a candidate endorsed by Donald Trump.