Democrats faced internal criticism after 11 of their lawmakers missed a crucial House vote to begin impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, allowing Republicans to block the initiative on a 211-204 vote.
Some Democrats attributed their absence to traffic delays, medical procedures or personal emergencies, while others blamed their colleagues for not showing up for the critical vote.
Some lawmakers also criticized the Democratic leadership for the failure, which came just days after the party won the midterm elections.