Representative Lou Correa of California has disclosed that he underwent emergency open heart surgery on Tuesday, the same day the House of Representatives voted on articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The Democratic congressman was among more than a dozen House members absent from the controversial vote.
In a statement released Wednesday, Correa informed his constituents of the medical emergency that required immediate surgical intervention. The congressman reported that the procedure was successful and that he is currently in recovery. He indicated his intention to return to Washington once physicians clear him for travel, though he plans to continue serving his Orange County district remotely during his convalescence.
According to regional reporting, Correa experienced a heart attack over the weekend preceding the surgery. His office expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who provided care during this critical period.
The timing of Correa’s medical emergency coincided with a significant procedural vote in the House. On Tuesday, members voted 211 to 204 to refer the impeachment articles against Secretary Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee rather than proceed to an immediate vote on the articles themselves. This parliamentary maneuver effectively tabled the impeachment effort for the time being.
The vote saw eighteen House members absent, including eleven Democrats and seven Republicans. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican who authored the articles of impeachment and is departing Congress, cast the sole GOP vote opposing the referral to committee.
Despite his physical absence from the chamber, Correa made his position clear through social media on the day of the vote. The congressman stated his strong support for impeaching Secretary Hegseth, citing concerns about the Defense Secretary’s leadership decisions and policies.
Correa’s statement outlined specific grievances against the Pentagon chief, including allegations that Hegseth has removed senior military officers who expressed disagreement with administration policies. The California representative also accused the Defense Department under Hegseth’s leadership of implementing discriminatory practices affecting female service members and those identifying as part of the LGBTQ community.
The congressman emphasized his belief that American military personnel deserve leadership that prioritizes their safety and upholds constitutional principles.
The failed impeachment effort represents an unusual political moment, with a Republican lawmaker initiating articles against a Defense Secretary serving in a Republican administration. Questions remain about whether the allegations against Hegseth rise to the constitutional standard of high crimes and misdemeanors required for impeachment.
Some lawmakers have suggested that additional impeachment efforts may be forthcoming, potentially focusing on matters related to foreign aid and international policy decisions. However, the successful referral to committee indicates that House leadership currently favors a more measured approach to examining the allegations rather than rushing to a floor vote.
As Correa focuses on his recovery, his absence from future votes remains uncertain, though his office has assured constituents that his staff will continue providing constituent services without interruption.
Related: Congress Seeks Testimony from Former Nvidia Chief Following Espionage Scandal
