Southwest Montana News

Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) is considering introducing a privileged resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III. This comes after Secretary Austin initiated missile strikes in Yemen without congressional approval, further endangering the United States and its allies abroad. Rep. Rosendale, who recently introduced impeachment articles against Secretary Austin, believes that his actions are putting the American people at risk.

In a statement, Rep. Rosendale criticized Secretary Austin's track record, saying, "After Secretary Austin's failures in properly responding to the Chinese spy balloon gathering intel on Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and withdrawing from Afghanistan leaving 13 Americans dead, he is now initiating confrontational actions against foreign countries from his hospital bed without congressional approval."

Rep. Rosendale also expressed concern about the current state of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration, stating, "Under President Trump, we had peace, countries were afraid to confront us in an adversarial manner. Now, under Biden and Austin's reign of ignorance, we face new threats seemingly daily."

The congressman emphasized that he is sympathetic to Secretary Austin's diagnosis but believes that if he refuses to resign and continues to endanger the American people, impeachment is necessary. Rep. Rosendale stated, "If Speaker Johnson refuses to bring my articles of impeachment against Austin to the floor in a timely manner, I will strongly consider making this resolution privileged so Congress will have the opportunity to remove this dangerous actor from the Biden Administration."

The introduction of a privileged resolution would force a vote on the impeachment articles within two legislative days, ensuring that the issue is addressed promptly.

This move by Rep. Rosendale comes at a time when anti-U.S. sentiment in the region is already intensified due to the missile strikes initiated by Secretary Austin. The decision to take action without congressional approval has raised concerns about the administration's handling of foreign policy.

It remains to be seen how Congress will respond to Rep. Rosendale's resolution and whether it will lead to the impeachment of Secretary Austin. Nevertheless, this development highlights the growing dissatisfaction and concerns surrounding Secretary Austin's actions and the need for a thorough examination of his performance as Secretary of Defense.