Key Takeaways:
- Kevin McCarthy is no longer the Speaker of the US House of Representatives
- A small group of Republicans, led by Matt Gaetz & supported by Democrats, voted him out
- This is the first time in US History that a sitting Speaker has been ousted in a vote
YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Kevin McCarthy is no longer a Republican speaker.
In an unprecedented move, the House of Representatives removed California’s representative on a motion moved by Matt Gaetz, a party member. The decision came amid allegations that McCarthy colluded with rival Democrats to pause the US government shutdown.
The successful vote of no confidence, the first in US history, received support from eight Republicans and the entire Democratic party. Notably, in 1910, the House tried to oust a sitting speaker — Republican Joseph Cannon — but failed.
The final vote count for McCarthy’s removal stood at 216-210.
That Kevin McCarthy vs. Matt Gaetz Drama
Kevin McCarthy has not had it easy. Hardliners in the Republican Party, also known as the “Freedom Caucus,” have been hostile to him from the start.
In January this year, McCarthy had to endure fifteen rounds of voting before getting elected as Speaker.
On his way to the goal, he made several concessions to this group, who wouldn’t otherwise budge. However, his attempts to avert the US government shutdown and his support to Joe Biden during the debt ceiling impasse earlier this year negated such efforts.
McCarthy’s shortcomings angered Republicans led by his long-time arch-rival Matt Gaetz, who had sworn to remove him from the Speaker’s post.
“The one thing that the White House, Democrats and many of us on the conservative side of the Republican caucus have in common is McCarthy said something to all of us at one point that he didn’t really mean and never intended to live up to. There’s nothing selfish about wanting a speaker of the House who tells the truth,”
Gaetz told the House.
Did You Know: The House Ethics Committee is investigating Gaetz's alleged connection to a sexual trafficking case. Recently, the Justice Department concluded its investigation into the allegations without filing criminal charges. However, the Florida Representative believes McCarthy is using the committee to take revenge.
Shortly after the vote concluded, Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina assumed the position of speaker pro tempore. He is a trusted ally of McCarthy and the chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
Kevin McCarthy Won’t Seek Reelection
Following his embarrassing ouster, McCarthy has clarified that he will not run again for the post.
McCarthy said he would allow the party to elect another person to the top post, expressing no regret for his choices as Speaker.
“Unfrotunately, 4% of our conference can join all Democrats and dictate who can be Republican Speaker in this House. I don’t think that rule is good for the institution, but apparently, I am the only one… I will continue to fight in a different manner,”
he said.
It is yet unclear who will become the next speaker. However, the race to replace him has already begun.
Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers have indicated that they will take steps to remove Matt Gaetz from the party for his actions. However, for now, Gaetz has defeated McCarthy.
