Schmidt acknowledges serious concerns about Hegseth but opposes rushed impeachment

Kansas Republican Congressman Derek Schmidt says serious concerns surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deserve congressional scrutiny, even as he defends the decision to block an immediate impeachment vote.

Speaking Wednesday with Newstalk KZRG, Schmidt acknowledged the political fallout from the Iran war and said Republicans must reevaluate their approach after losing control of both chambers of Congress.

"Very bad night for Republicans all over the country, no doubt about it," Schmidt said of the November 3 election.

Schmidt, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said the war and its handling contributed to the Republican defeats but rejected suggestions that one person or issue was entirely responsible.

"I don't think there's any one cause or any one person to blame for the midterm results," Schmidt said. "There were lots of factors, including the war and including to some extent how it's been prosecuted and handled."

His comments came one day after the Republican-controlled House voted 211-204 to refer impeachment articles against Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the effort for now.

Schmidt voted in favor of the referral but acknowledged concerns about the defense secretary's leadership.

"These were serious allegations about his conduct in office," Schmidt said, adding that other questions surrounding Hegseth's management of the Pentagon also deserve attention.

Schmidt said those issues should be examined through committee proceedings and evidence gathering rather than an immediate impeachment vote.

The impeachment effort centered largely on Hegseth's handling of military operations in Iran, along with other allegations involving military actions and his conduct in office.

Looking ahead, Schmidt warned that divided government could create gridlock when Democrats take control of Congress in January while President Donald Trump remains in the White House.

However, he said Republicans still have several weeks to advance legislation before surrendering their congressional majorities.

His priorities include completing a farm bill, addressing E15 ethanol fuel policy, passing government spending legislation and finishing the annual defense authorization bill.

Schmidt also identified permitting reform as a possible way to accelerate construction projects and encourage domestic investment.

Despite the coming political divide, Schmidt expressed hope that lawmakers can find common ground.

"I hope we'll find ways to work together and get some of these things done and that this is a two-year period of accomplishment for the country and not just more stalemate," Schmidt said.

The recently reelected congressman also marked Veterans Day by emphasizing the need to support service members and their families beyond their years in uniform.