Democratic House lawmaker blames traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote: 'I am so sorry'

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., explained on social media why she was among the 11 Democrats who missed the failed impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

Stansbury said that she was held up in rush-hour traffic. She said she could "literally see the Capitol" as she drove up Independence Avenue, and she called her staff to let the House floor know she was delayed. 

Then, a police motorcade blocked traffic in both directions. 

"I understand that it is my responsibility, and I am sincerely sorry. But there were definitely factors that were out of my control," Stansbury said in the video posted on X.  

She said she was one of the original sponsors of an impeachment measure against Hegseth earlier this year, and she said that Democrats will bring back the articles of impeachment against Hegseth in the future. 

"This is not the end. This is just the beginning. And I will be there every step of the way," Stansbury said. 

The House of Representatives voted Tuesday to refer Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie's articles of impeachment against War Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Judiciary Committee.

The vote, which passed in 211-204 split, essentially kills the impeachment attempt for the time being because Republicans control the chamber and therefore all committees.

Massie filed the articles of impeachment on Monday, arguing the secretary lacked the constitutional authority to engage in war in Iran and kill hundreds of civilians in boat strikes against suspected drug-smugglers in the Caribbean.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday aggressively defended U.S. war efforts and attacked efforts to impeach him over the matter, calling it a "farce" and a "stunt."