CA, US & World

House Leaves Washington Early, Delaying Hegseth Impeachment Vote

The U.S. House has left Washington early for its pre-midterm election recess, canceling votes that had been scheduled for Thursday and delaying consideration of a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that lawmakers would return to their districts to campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The House had been scheduled to continue working through Thursday before beginning the recess. 

Johnson said lawmakers should return home to discuss the work Congress has completed with voters.

“It’s time for our members to go home to their districts and make their case to the American people,” Johnson said.

The early adjournment also prevents an immediate vote on an impeachment resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky against Hegseth.

Massie filed the resolution Tuesday, accusing Hegseth of actions related to U.S. military operations in Iran that Massie argues were taken without congressional authorization. Because the resolution was filed as a privileged resolution, House rules required lawmakers to take it up within two legislative days. 

Massie criticized the decision to send lawmakers home, arguing that Congress should remain in session to address unfinished business.

Johnson has dismissed Massie’s impeachment effort as a “stunt” and defended the House’s legislative record. The speaker has also said the House has accomplished a significant amount of work during the current session. 

The House did complete several votes before leaving Washington Wednesday, including passage of a major Russia sanctions bill that now goes to President Donald Trump. The House also approved other legislation before adjourning. 

The House’s narrow Republican majority has made the scheduling of votes particularly significant. Massie’s impeachment resolution will now remain unresolved until lawmakers return after the midterm elections.

The House is scheduled to reconvene after the November elections, although Johnson said lawmakers remain subject to a 48-hour notice to return to Washington if necessary. 

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.

By: NBC Palm Springs

September 17, 2026

House of RepresentativesMike JohnsonPete HegsethThomas MassieHegseth impeachmentHouse recessmidterm electionsCongressRepublican majorityDefense SecretaryWashington DC
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
Privacy. Security. Style. 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life.

Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate!

Beaumont, CA

Follow us: @eandefenceco 

#EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor
2

Privacy. Security. Style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life. Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate! Beaumont, CA Follow us: @eandefenceco #EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
190

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball

288

🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh

254

🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight

41

💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos

50

🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds

Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
68

Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!

4

Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings

60

Whatever you do after surgery... rule 1: do NOT post it on social media! #therogginreport #menshealth #viralreels #localnews #nbcpalmsprings

19

🥪 Halloween flavors are on the menu at The Sandwich Spot! Dana stopped by NBC Palm Springs to show us two seasonal favorites: “Rosemary’s Baby,” a spooky twist on chicken parmesan, and “Cornucopia,” bringing a taste of the season to every bite. 🎃 Rosemary’s Baby is available for a limited time through Halloween, while Cornucopia will stick around through New Year’s Day! Whether you're craving a hot specialty sandwich or planning a party, The Sandwich Spot also has catering platters ready to go. #TheSandwichSpot #CoachellaValleyEats #PalmSpringsFood #LocalRestaurants #HalloweenEats #SeasonalSpecials #NBCPalmSprings

House Leaves Washington Early, Delaying Hegseth Impeachment Vote