Eleven Democratic lawmakers were absent from a key House vote, allowing Republicans to set aside impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The missed vote came just one week after Democrats celebrated sweeping election victories across the country.
The absences drew immediate criticism from party members and political observers who questioned the timing of the departures.
Republicans used the narrowed margin to table the impeachment resolution, effectively halting the effort to hold Hegseth accountable.
Democratic leaders have not offered a unified explanation for why nearly a dozen members were missing during the floor vote.
The episode has sparked internal frustration, with some arguing the party squandered momentum from its recent electoral wins.
Party strategists worry the misstep could undermine voter confidence and complicate future efforts to pursue oversight of the administration.
