The House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer the impeachment resolution introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie to the House Judiciary Committee.

Although the decision did not formally dismiss the charges, it is expected to prevent the resolution from returning to the House floor before the current Congress ends.

Massie was the only Republican to oppose the move, voting alongside 203 Democrats. Meanwhile, 210 Republicans and the chamber's lone independent supported sending the resolution to the committee.

The Kentucky congressman had introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanours.

Among the allegations was the decision to wage war against Iran without congressional authorisation.

Massie also accused the Pentagon chief of authorising unlawful military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean .

Other charges concerned Hegseth's involvement in the US operation to seize Venezuela's then-president Nicolas Maduro and military operations in Yemen without congressional approval.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hegseth rejected the accusations during a Pentagon press conference, describing the impeachment effort as 'sabotage' and 'political spectacle'.

"It's a farce, and it's a stunt and everybody knows it," Hegseth said. "These are not high crimes. This is the job, and it's the job well done."

Vice President JD Vance also defended Hegseth, dismissing the allegations as absurd and accusing lawmakers of using impeachment proceedings for political purposes.

The House vote leaves the impeachment resolution with the Judiciary Committee, where it is expected to remain until the current congressional session ends.