This week, Democrats voted in favor of Representative Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) motion to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). This meant that McCarthy had to step down as speaker.
With a vote of 216–210, the House ousted a speaker for the first time in the history of the United States. More than 110 years have passed since the last time a speakership had been even considered.
Representatives Eli Crane (AZ), Andy Biggs (AZ), Tim Burchett (TN), Bob Good (VA), Ken Buck (CO), Matt Rosendale (MT), and Nancy Mace (SC) were the other seven Republicans who voted with the Democrats.
Speaker Pro Tempore is Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who will lead the House up until a new speaker is chosen.
McHenry slammed the gavel hard as he sent the House into recess because he was clearly angry about what was going on.
The decision to remove McCarthy enraged many Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who slammed the small number of Republicans for clashing with other Republicans, as well as more moderate members within the Republican Conference.
“This is a diversion from our primary objective, which is to oversee the appropriations process,” stated Stephanie Bice, the vice chair of the Main Street Caucus (R-OK). “Matt Gaetz is the main subject here. The story isn’t about Kevin McCarthy. The people of the United States are being used as chess pieces in Matt Gaetz’s manipulative game of charades.”
