WASHINGTON — The U.S. House is set to vote this week on a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The move follows his abrupt firing of retired Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore from her post as chief of the Navy Reserve in August 2025, an action that Lacore later cited in her successful campaign to flip a South Carolina House seat held by Republicans.
Democrats secure sweeping midterm gains
Democrats have expanded their control in the aftermath of last week’s midterm elections, with at least 254 House seats secured compared to 162 for Republicans, while 19 races remain uncalled. The party now controls at least 30 governorships and holds both legislative chambers and the governor’s office in 23 states, up from 16 before the election. Democrats also broke Republican trifectas in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas, where Houston Democrat Senfronia Thompson is positioned to become the first woman and first Black speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
Congress returns with critical legislative deadlines
Lawmakers returned to Washington for the first time since the midterms facing a December 11 deadline to pass a government funding bill to avoid a shutdown. Additional priorities include:
- Passing the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
- Advancing a farm bill addressing agriculture and food-assistance policy.
- Deciding whether to renew FISA Section 702, which allows warrantless surveillance.
- Finalizing a permitting reform deal to streamline construction projects.
- Reviewing President Donald Trump’s nominees in the Senate.
- Considering a House resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, led by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
Houston limits ICE collaboration amid local enforcement concerns
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Friday that the city would begin limiting collaboration between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during traffic stops. The policy shift comes amid ongoing concerns over violent incidents involving ICE agents, including the fatal shooting of Mexican father Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in July 2025. The announcement follows threats from outgoing Republican Governor Greg Abbott to revoke over $110 million in public safety funding over a similar policy granting officers discretion in contacting ICE.
Policy debates emerge over Iran war funding
Some Democratic lawmakers have indicated that their electoral mandate includes ending U.S. involvement in the Iran war. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., a moderate, stated in a letter that Congress would “abdicate its responsibility” if it voted to provide additional funds for the war without congressional approval. The debate coincides with broader discussions over government funding priorities as the December 11 deadline approaches.
Election denial movement faces scrutiny post-midterms
Following Republican losses in the midterms, political observers have suggested that the election-denial movement may be waning. However, reporting indicates that the movement persists within certain factions of the party, despite the party’s electoral setbacks.