Rep. Mike Levin Statement on Hegseth Impeachment Resolution
Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after Rep. Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) Impeachment Resolution of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth failed to advance:
“I am beyond disappointed in my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for effectively killing Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment resolution. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. He was entrusted with the lives and well-being of the brave men and women who serve our country and with national security decisions that carry life-or-death consequences. Our service members have answered their nation’s call with courage, sacrifice, and professionalism. They deserve leadership that takes their safety and well-being as seriously as they take their mission. Instead, Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated recklessness, incompetence, and arrogance, putting our national security and the lives of our service members at risk.
“His conduct represents a profound failure of leadership and a betrayal of the principles our Armed Forces are sworn to defend. From his handling of the war in Iran and deadly strikes on boats in international waters to his sharing of sensitive military operational information on Signal, Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated a disturbing disregard for the law, congressional oversight, and the responsibilities of his role. These actions raise serious questions about potential violations of federal and international law, including the laws of armed conflict. Congress must thoroughly investigate his misconduct, uncover the full extent of his actions, and hold him accountable. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to hold the executive branch accountable, particularly when the conduct of senior officials threatens our national security and the lives of those who serve.
“Impeachment is not a tool to be used lightly, but it is one the Constitution provides for circumstances of grave misconduct. That is why I supported the effort to impeach Secretary Pete Hegseth. Unfortunately, the House voted to block that effort from moving forward. But this vote does not erase his misconduct, nor does it absolve Congress of its responsibility to hold him accountable. Our service members deserve better, the American people deserve answers, and I will continue fighting to ensure that no official entrusted with our nation's security is above accountability.”
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