WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said Friday there are “a lot of questions” among Republicans about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as Rep. Thomas Massie prepares to file impeachment articles next week.

The impeachment effort, expected to be introduced on Nov. 12, follows a series of subpoenas issued by Comer’s committee probing the Pentagon’s handling of classified documents and procurement contracts. With 224 Republicans in the House caucus, the move could force a vote that tests party unity ahead of the midterm elections, a senior aide told reporters.

KEY POINTThe impeachment effort, expected to be introduced on Nov.

Investors are watching the dispute closely. The Department of Defense oversees a $2.2 trillion annual budget, and any perceived instability could affect defense‑related equities, which fell an average of 1.3 % on the Nasdaq after the announcement. “Uncertainty in leadership translates to market volatility,” said Maya Patel, an analyst at Global Equity Partners.

Democrats have largely dismissed the impeachment push as a partisan stunt, but Pentagon officials emphasized continuity in ongoing programs. In a statement, the Department noted that Hegseth remains “committed to maintaining readiness and delivering on contracts,” while urging Congress to focus on “policy over politics.”

Key Takeaways

• Comer’s committee is investigating alleged mishandling of classified material and contract awards under Secretary Hegseth.
• Rep. Thomas Massie is set to introduce impeachment articles next week, potentially forcing a floor vote.
• Defense‑sector stocks have reacted to the political uncertainty, with a modest dip across major indices.

Regardless of the outcome, the episode underscores how internal congressional disputes can ripple through global supply chains and affect investors who track U.S. defense spending, a sector that accounts for roughly 3 % of worldwide military procurement.