House takes first vote on Hegseth impeachment effort

[0:00] Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders in contravention of Section 4A of the War Powers [0:05] Resolution of 1973, Section 1543A of Title 50 United States Code, by continuing to direct [0:12] United States Armed Forces into hostilities in Yemen after March 17, 2025, despite the [0:18] President of the United States having failed to notify Congress of such hostilities within [0:22] 48 hours of their commencement, as required by Section 4A, and notwithstanding that the [0:27] President did not transmit such a report to Congress until March 28, 2025, thereby further [0:34] undermining any possible Article 2 authority for the continued hostilities, especially [0:38] during such 13-day period. [0:40] Three, outside of the requirements to engage in hostilities pursuant to the War Powers Resolution [0:45] of 1973, Secretary Hexeth directed Operation Rough Rider in the absence of any imminent [0:51] threat requiring military action, without prior congressional authorization as evidenced [0:56] by a leaked signal chat involving Secretary Hexeth concerning the potential execution of [1:01] Operation Rough Rider in which a several senior United States government officials, including [1:06] Secretary Hexeth, each possessing unfettered access to military and intelligence information, [1:12] advised there was no immediate need to enter United States Armed Forces into hostilities in [1:17] Yemen, thereby asserting there was no imminent threat to the United States, its possessions, [1:22] territories, or its armed forces as indicated through the following communications. [1:26] Aye. [1:28] Vice President J.D. [1:29] Vance stating, there is a strong argument for delaying Operation Rough Rider a month. [1:34] Double I. [1:35] Then Acting Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor Joe Kent stating, there is nothing time [1:41] sensitive driving this timeline. [1:43] We'll have the exact same options in a month. [1:46] Triple I. [1:47] Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe stating, a delay would not negatively impact [1:53] us and additional time would be used to identify better starting points for coverage [1:57] on Houthi leadership. [1:59] Aye. [2:00] V. Addressing the timing of Operation Rough Rider, Secretary Hexeth stated, we can easily [2:05] pause and V. Addressing the Vice President's concerns regarding Operation Rough Rider's immediate [2:11] commencement, Secretary Hexeth stated, VP, I understand your concerns to immediate risk on [2:17] waiting. [2:18] One. [2:19] This leaks, and we look indecisive. [2:21] Two. [2:22] Israel takes action first, or Gaza sees fire or falls apart, and we don't get to start [2:28] this on our own terms. [2:30] This is not about the Houthis. [2:32] It's about reestablishing deterrents, which Biden cratered. [2:37] Thus, Secretary Hexeth knew there was no imminent threat to the United States, its territories, [2:42] or possessions, or its armed forces. [2:44] As such as a threat existed, there would have been no basis for him to state that we can [2:48] easily pause. [2:49] Moreover, the only immediate risk identified by Secretary Hexeth concerned media optics [2:55] and Israeli affairs, rather than the direct affairs of the United States of America, the [2:59] nation to which his oath is sworn. [3:01] In all of this, Secretary Hexeth abused the powers entrusted to him as Secretary of Defense [3:06] by subordinating the constitutional limits of the use of military force and the laws governing [3:11] the conduct of hostilities to his own policy objectives, notwithstanding his knowledge that [3:17] no imminent threat to the United States existed, and demonstrated a profound disregard for civilian [3:22] life and the rule of law. [3:25] The constitutional authority of Congress and its duty to ensure the lawful conduct of the [3:29] United States Armed Forces. [3:30] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will [3:36] remain a threat to civilians, the lawful conduct of United States military operations, the integrity [3:42] and credibility of the United States Armed Forces, and the Constitution, if allowed to remain [3:47] in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. [3:52] Peter Brian Hexeth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification [3:57] to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. [4:08] The resolution qualifies. [4:11] For what purpose does the gentleman from California seek recognition? [4:14] Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk. [4:19] The clerk will report the motion. [4:21] Mr. Issa of California moves to refer the resolution to the Committee on the Judiciary. [4:28] The gentleman from California is recognized for one hour. [4:34] I urge adoption and yield back. [4:38] Without objection, the previous question is ordered on the motion. [4:42] The question is on the motion to refer the resolution. [4:46] Those in favor say aye. [4:49] Those opposed say no. [4:53] In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. [4:55] The motion is not adopted. [4:57] Mr. Speaker. [4:58] The gentleman from Kentucky. [5:02] I request the yeas and the nays. [5:04] The gentleman from Kentucky requests the yeas and nays. [5:10] The yeas and nays are requested. [5:12] Those in favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. [5:20] A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. [5:23] Members will record their votes by electronic device. [5:26] To clause 9 of Rule 20, this 15-minute vote on the motion to refer will be followed by a [5:47] 5-minute vote on ordering the previous question on the House Resolution 1650 and adoption of [5:55] House Resolution 1650 if ordered. [5:59] This is a 15-minute vote. [6:02] On this vote, the yeas are 2-11. [32:57] The nays are 2-0-4. [33:01] The motion is adopted. [33:03] The motion to reconsider is laid on the table. [33:13] Pursuant to Clause 8 of Rule 20, the unfinished business is the vote on ordering the previous [33:17] question on House Resolution 1650 on which the ayes and nays are ordered. [33:23] The clerk will report the title of the resolution. [33:26] House Calendar Number 92, House Resolution 1650. [33:30] Resolution providing for consideration of the Bill H.R. [33:33] 1013 to amend the Federal Securities Laws to enhance 403b PANs and further purposes. [33:40] The question is on ordering the previous question. [33:43] Members will record their votes by electronic device. [33:47] This is a 5-minute vote. [33:49] On this vote, the yeas are 2-13. [41:00] The nays are 2-0-7. [41:02] The previous question is ordered. [41:06] The question is on the adoption of the resolution. [41:10] Those in favor of saying aye. [41:13] Those opposed say no. [41:16] In the opinion of the chair, for what purpose does the gentleman from Massachusetts seek recognition? [41:21] Mr. Speaker, I ask for a recorded vote. [41:24] The recorded vote is requested. [41:30] Those favoring the recorded vote will rise. [41:33] A sufficient number having risen, a recorded vote is ordered. [41:37] Members will record their votes by electronic device. [41:41] On this vote, the yeas are 2-15. [51:17] The nays are 2-0-9. [51:19] The resolution is adopted. [51:21] Without objection, a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. [52:19] For what purpose does the gentleman from Virginia rise? [52:22] Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman will suspend. [52:28] The house will be in order. [52:29] The gentleman from Virginia is recognized. [52:35] Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the house adjourned today, [52:40] it adjourned to reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m. [52:44] The request will be announced here. [52:51] The gentleman with the gentlemen is critiquing and Jud Commence. [52:57] For granted, the numbers go to the alone. [53:05] Thank you.