WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury is facing criticism from some members of her own party after missing a House vote on an impeachment resolution targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Stansbury was among 11 Democrats who
did not cast a vote Monday evening as the House considered a resolution seeking to impeach Hegseth. The measure included allegations related to military actions involving Iran and other actions cited by supporters of the resolution.
The House ultimately voted to send the measure to the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee, effectively halting its progress.
Following the vote, Stansbury publicly apologized, saying she was delayed by traffic caused by a police motorcade and lane closures near the Capitol.
“There is no one who is more disappointed in myself than me,” Stansbury said, acknowledging that she did not arrive before the vote concluded.
The missed vote drew criticism from some Democratic lawmakers, who said attendance is especially important when margins in Congress are narrow.
However, supporters of the impeachment effort noted that the outcome likely would not have changed even if all absent members had been present. Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie, who sponsored the resolution, said several Republicans also failed to vote and that the measure still lacked enough support to advance.
Stansbury said she accepts responsibility for missing the vote and pledged not to let it happen again.
The issue comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in the next Congress, where party leaders are expected to revisit a number of oversight and impeachment efforts.
