Massie authored the resolution, which contained eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of violating war powers and other laws in conducting military operations in Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. Because Massie filed the motion as "privileged," Republican leaders were forced to schedule a vote within two legislative days.

Hegseth "has violated the norms of war, and it's to the disadvantage and the dishonor of our country, and to the danger of our soldiers in future conflicts," Massie said.

The articles charge Hegseth with waging war against Iran without congressional authorization, continuing hostilities after the War Powers Resolution's 60-day limit expired, and ignoring laws meant to minimize civilian casualties. Other articles accuse him of directing "extrajudicial killings" of suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, including secondary strikes on survivors and orders not to rescue shipwrecked persons. The resolution also alleges Hegseth illegally seized and deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to assert control over Venezuela's oil reserves, retaliated against Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for advising service members to disobey unlawful orders, and carried out an unlawful war in Yemen.

Speaking at the Pentagon before the vote, Hegseth dismissed the effort as a "political spectacle" and a "farce." He defended all military actions as lawful, stating, "We destroyed terror regimes' capabilities. We sank the boats carrying poison into our communities. We put a narco dictator in handcuffs. These are not high crimes. This is the job, and it's the job well done." He also compared the impeachment attempt to the two Democratic-led impeachments of President Donald Trump, saying, "If standing with President Trump puts me in that company, I'll take that company every day of the week."

Trump posted his support on Truth Social, praising Hegseth's defense and attacking Massie, who lost his GOP primary earlier this year after both Trump and Hegseth helped oust him.

Even some Republican critics of Hegseth said the allegations did not rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors. Outgoing Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said he had disagreements with Hegseth but did not support the impeachment as drafted. "I don't really align with the impeachment itself," Bacon told reporters. "But I surely, if you would have put in [a line] about firing 80 generals, if we talk about firing 80 generals and not spending appropriated money, I'd feel a little differently about it."

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., suggested Massie was motivated by his primary defeat and noted that even if the House had passed the resolution, there are not 67 senators who would vote to convict. "It's going to die in the Senate; it's just that simple," Issa said. "The Secretary has committed no high crimes or misdemeanors. The Senate often has to protect against the rashness of the House."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is on track to become speaker in January, has said Democrats will "run Pete Hegseth out of town" when they take over Congress next year. But for now, Hegseth remains in his post with Trump's backing, having survived a contentious Senate confirmation in 2025.