WASHINGTON (CNN) – House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday he is sending lawmakers home early for their seven-week midterm campaign recess.

“The House has done its work. You’ve seen the statistics we’ve been talking about for the last few days. This House has been the second-most productive in terms of legislation in the history of the institution since 1789. We passed over 900 pieces of legislation,” Johnson said.

The move will delay a forced vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth until after the November elections.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the resolution over Hegseth’s handling of the U.S. war with Iran.

Massie accuses Hegseth of abusing his authority and carrying out unlawful orders.

Johnson called the effort a “publicity stunt” and said the early departure has nothing to do with Hegseth.

“That’s ridiculous. It’s a publicity stunt by someone who wants attention. It will immediately be tabled, of course, but we probably won’t do that today. We’ll probably do it when we come back, but it’s a stunt. Secretary Hegseth has done an extraordinary job at the Department of War. We’re in the middle of international conflicts right now and we should not be playing games with national security, and I think that’s how the members see this,” Johnson said.

House Republicans had planned to remain in session until Thursday, but will now take their final votes Wednesday night.

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