House Speaker Johnson cancels votes, sends lawmakers home early

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday canceled House votes set for Thursday, setting the stage for lawmakers to head home earlier for a planned recess, Politico reported.

The move comes as the midterm elections ramp up and lawmakers get ready to fight for their own political future. Notably, the early departure lets Republicans avoid a vote on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, which they tabled after Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., brought a surprise resolution to that effect.

Massie argued that Hegseth had illegally prosecuted the Iran war past the 60-day maximum for conflict without authorization from Congress. While lawmakers have thrice voted to end the Iran war, they have not managed to send such a bill to President Donald Trump's desk with enough support to overcome a veto.

All 435 seats in the lower chamber are up for reelection and the battle for control of Congress is expected to be competitive. Floor votes are not expected to resume until after the midterm elections.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.