That Peter B. Hegseth, Secretary of Defense of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the Senate:

Articles of Impeachment Exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the Name of Itself and of the People of the United States of America, against Peter. B Hegseth, Secretary of Defense of the United States, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Article 1: Unauthorized war against Iran and reckless endangerment of United States servicemembers

In his conduct of the office of Secretary of Defense of the United States, Peter B. Hegseth, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of Secretary of Defense and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors in that—(1)lacking lawful authority, and in direct contravention of Article I of the Constitution, which vests in the Congress the sole power to declare war, and the War Powers Resolution, Peter B. Hegseth has willfully participated in and directed the initiation and escalation of armed hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran—which is a brutal regime that terrorizes its own people—without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization by the Congress;(2)he has failed to seek or obtain meaningful consultation with Congress prior to such actions, thereby usurping legislative authority and undermining the separation of powers;(3)he has authorized, supported, and advanced military operations lacking defined objectives, lawful authorization, or clear strategic necessity, knowingly exposing members of the Armed Forces of the United States to substantial and foreseeable risk of injury or death;(4)he has endorsed and facilitated operational plans involving extreme and unnecessary risk to United States personnel and interests, including potential ground operations within Iran, thereby recklessly endangering the lives of American servicemembers deployed in combat operations and stationed throughout the Middle East; and(5)he has demonstrated a willful disregard for the Constitution, abused the powers of his office, and acted in a manner grossly incompatible with the rule of law.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Article II: Violations of the law of armed conflict and targeting of civilians

In further violation of his constitutional oath and duties, Peter B. Hegseth has engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors in that—(1)he has authorized, condoned, or failed to prevent the use of military force in a manner inconsistent with the law of armed conflict, such as operations resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Iran, including a girls’ school in Minab;(2)he has undermined or disregarded established rules of engagement designed to minimize harm to noncombatants, including illegal double tap strikes in the southern Caribbean; and(3)he has engaged in conduct that raises serious concerns of violations of the Geneva Conventions and other binding legal obligations of the United States, including by stating that the United States shall give no quarter, no mercy for our enemies, which is an unlawful command.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Article III: Negligence and reckless handling of sensitive military information

In his conduct of the office of Secretary of Defense, Peter B. Hegseth has engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors in that—(1)he has demonstrated gross negligence in the handling of sensitive and classified military information, including through the use of unsecured communications systems like the Signal app to transmit or discuss operational details in flagrant contravention of United States law and military standards; and(2)he has compromised operational security and placed United States personnel at risk through this careless and improper conduct.

Such conduct constitutes a betrayal of the trust placed in him and a dereliction of his duty to safeguard national security.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Article IV: Obstruction of congressional oversight

Peter B. Hegseth has directed or engaged in efforts to obstruct the constitutional oversight responsibilities of Congress by—(1)failing to provide timely and complete information regarding military operations;(2)withholding material facts relating to civilian casualties and operational conduct in Iran, Venezuela, and other military theaters; and(3)interfering with the ability of Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibilities.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Article V: Abuse of power and politicization of the Armed Forces

Peter B. Hegseth has abused the powers of his office by—(1)using his position to influence military decisions for improper political purposes;(2)intervening in military disciplinary or personnel matters in a manner inconsistent with established law and practice, including targeting and launching bogus investigations against specific elected officials for the express purpose of political retribution; and(3)undermining the principle of a nonpartisan and professional Armed Forces.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Article VI: Conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States and its Armed Forces

Through the cumulative conduct described in these Articles, Peter B. Hegseth has—(1)acted in a manner contrary to the public trust as Secretary of Defense;(2)shaken public confidence in the integrity and ability of the Department of Defense, including by undermining United States commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and United States credibility around the world;(3)brought disrepute upon the United States, its Armed Forces, and the Department of Defense by violating its laws and the codes of conduct bestowed upon public servants; and(4)degrading the readiness and cohesion of U.S. Armed Forces by—(A)denigrating women, LGBTQ+, and people of color serving the United States, including by forcibly separating transgender people from service; (B)personally intervening in promotions to deny the elevation of qualified Black and women officers;(C)attacking women’s physical qualifications, restricting their access to reproductive care, and undermining systems to address sexual harassment and assault in the military; and (D)promoting standards of appearance that disproportionately penalize Black servicemembers.

Wherefore Peter B. Hegseth, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.