Southwest Montana News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) has announced his intention to file articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III. The decision is based on allegations of high crimes and misdemeanors committed by Secretary Austin. Congressman Rosendale plans to introduce the article of impeachment during the upcoming House meeting.

In a statement, Congressman Rosendale expressed his concerns about Secretary Austin's actions. He accused the Secretary of repeatedly violating his oath of office and endangering the lives of the American people. According to Rosendale, Secretary Austin allowed a spy balloon from a foreign adversary to fly over Malmstrom Air Force Base, which houses intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This, in turn, allegedly allowed the Chinese Communist Party to gather intelligence on American citizens. Congressman Rosendale stated:

“Sec. Austin knowingly put the American people in danger and compromised our national security when he allowed a spy balloon from a foreign adversary to fly over Malmstrom Air Force Base - home to ICBMs - and allowed the Chinese Communist Party to gather intel on American citizens."

Furthermore, recent reports indicate that Secretary Austin lied about the balloon repeatedly, creating a dangerous situation for the American people. According to Congressman Rosendale, this pattern of dishonesty is not an isolated incident. He claimed that Secretary Austin lied about his health to the military and the American people just last week.

Additionally, Congressman Rosendale criticized Secretary Austin's handling of the Biden Administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. He argued that the disastrous withdrawal led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers and allowed unvetted migrants to enter the United States. Rosendale specifically highlighted a distressing incident in Missoula, where an unvetted migrant allegedly raped a young woman. Congressman Rosendale stated:

“Furthermore, the Secretary failed to uphold his oath of office during the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan which led to the death of 13 American soldiers and enabled unvetted migrants to flow into the United States – including allowing an unvetted migrant to rape a young woman in Missoula."

Based on these allegations, Congressman Rosendale believes that Secretary Austin is unfit for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He called on his colleagues to join him in impeaching Secretary Austin to protect the American people.

It is important to note that the filing of articles of impeachment does not automatically result in removal from office. The process requires a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the Senate.

To find out more, go to this link: https://rosendale.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=737