House speaker calls early recess before midterms amid AI regulation frenzy
Mike Johnson cancels votes on Thursday, meaning House members will avoid voting on impeaching Pete Hegseth
TL;DR
- House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled scheduled votes for Thursday, sending lawmakers home early for the midterm election recess.
- The cancellation avoids a vote on Republican Thomas Massie's resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Lawmakers were also set to address AI regulation, with industry executives and whistleblowers calling for oversight.
- Johnson expressed reluctance to impose a moratorium on AI development, citing national security concerns related to competition with China.
- Over 100 House Democrats urged Johnson to cancel the recess to focus on AI safeguards legislation.
- Johnson defended the schedule change, stating the House has been productive and that members should return to their districts.
- He dismissed Massie's impeachment resolution as a 'publicity stunt' and indicated it would be postponed due to international conflicts.
- Massie's resolution is filed as privileged, which fast-tracks it, and will likely be addressed after the election recess.