GOP impeded investigation into Hegseth's Signal activity due to his alleged incredible unfavorability, according to Rep. Adam Smith
Rewritten Article
Published: May 1, 2025, 11:37 AM CDT
The Republican-led House of Representatives has thwarted an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the encrypted messaging app Signal bypassing Democratic efforts to scrutinize his actions.
Hegseth, in two separate group chats, disclosed confidential information about military operations against Houthis in Yemen, involving his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., shared that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans resisted any inquiry resolution involving Hegseth due to his confronting actions which they can't justify. Smith filed a resolution of inquiry, allowing a House member to initiate an investigation even when they're in the minority.
"They're so afraid of this issue - they can't defend it - that they don't want to talk about it," Smith said. "And they will go to unparalleled lengths to avoid Congress exercising oversight over the Pentagon."
Johnson, before the Tuesday vote, stated that this move aimed to dodge "nonsensical time wasters" and manipulated House rules to forestall partisan tricks and pranks.
Smith discussed his blocked resolution and current restrictions on congressional oversight with NPR's Steve Inskeep.
This interview has been slightly modified for length and clarity.
Interview Highlights
Steve Inskeep: What strategic moves did House Republicans employ Tuesday when you tried to use your power to demand an investigation?
Rep. Adam Smith: They enacted a rule essentially to deny resolutions of inquiry, thereby impeding the democratic process. This move mirrors the Trump administration's approach since they cannot defend the issue and wish to evade discussion. Republicans are going to extreme lengths to impede Congress from accomplishing its responsibility: overseeing the Pentagon. And as you know from the Signal incident, Hegseth struggles with managing sensitive information in a dangerous manner.
Inskeep: There are two perspectives here, I suppose. One is an institutional view concerning Congress. You're a separate entity from the executive branch, and it's your role to offer oversight. But let me ask about another thing: House majority. Over the years, have Democrats welcomed Republican demands for investigations?
Smith: We didn't welcome them. But the rules have been established to guarantee the minority is heard. Republicans, however, are attempting to obstruct even the discussion and debate now. In the Armed Services Committee, they granted additional $150 billion to further spending but rejected our series of amendments concerning Signalgate and Hegseth's actions. Republicans refused to comment on a single occasion in defense of Hegseth, presumably because they understand he's untenable. They strive to mute the debate and avoid any conversation about the matter. It is crucial to maintain the opportunity for discussion, debate, and public trust because we are America, a democratic nation built on having a voice in our government.
Inskeep: I'd like to Remember again: The majority attempts to rule over things, and the majority aligned with the president will try to protect the president to some extent. But is it reasonable to argue that in this year, Congress is effectively disempowering itself, pushing beyond typical practices to suppress debate and evade its institutional role as a check on the president?
Smith: Entirely. This is unprecedented. Regardless of the vote's outcome, they are attempting to stifle the debate and avoid discussing the matter. They don't want people to talk about it because they cannot defend Hegseth's actions. Everyone should be worried about this suppression of discussion.
NPR disclosure: Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, is the chair of the Signal Foundation.
Julie Depenbrock and Nia Dumas produced the radio version of this story.
Copyright 2025 NPR
- Rep. Adam Smith, expressing concern, stated that House Republicans used a rule to deny resolutions of inquiry, impeding the democratic process and preventing scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's actions.
- Smith mentioned that the House Republicans' move mirrors the approach of the Trump administration, as they couldn't defend certain issues and wished to evade discussions, impeding Congress from exercising its responsibility to oversee the Pentagon.
- In the Armed Services Committee, Republicans granted additional $150 billion for spending but rejected a series of amendments concerning Signalgate and Hegseth's actions, indicating a lack of defense for Hegseth.
- Smith asserted that it is crucial to maintain the opportunity for discussion, debate, and public trust because America is a democratic nation built on having a voice in its government.
- Smith suggested that this year, Congress is effectively disempowering itself, pushing beyond typical practices to suppress debate and evade its institutional role as a check on the president, a move that should worrying to everyone.
