Congressman Matt Gaetz (MAGA-FL) has followed through with his stated opposition to Kevin McCarthy after the passage of a blank check 45-day continuing resolution supported by Democrats.
Taking to the House floor today, Representative Gates filed his official motion to vacate the chair. WATCH:
WASHINGTON DC – Kevin McCarthy is officially facing the test that’s plagued his entire speakership: conservatives forcing a vote to oust him.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on Monday night filed a formal motion to eject the speaker, a maneuver last attempted in 1910 and never successfully completed. The House must act by Wednesday on the matter — and while McCarthy may yet survive depending on how Democrats vote, even a failed challenge to his speakership weakens him going forward.
It’s far from clear that Gaetz has the votes to depose McCarthy, as the Floridian himself acknowledged to reporters after making his move. Only three colleagues, Reps. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Bob Good (R-Va.), are openly supportive of his effort. But a handful of other House Republicans frustrated with the speaker are seen as persuadable on the matter of his future.
Among those potential GOP swing votes: Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Dan Bishop (R-N.C.).
“I have enough Republicans where at this point next week one of two things will happen: Kevin McCarthy won’t be the speaker of the House or he’ll be the speaker of the House serving at the pleasure of Democrats,” Gaetz said, referring to the near-certain likelihood that Democratic votes will be required in order to keep McCarthy’s hold on the top gavel.
“I’ve made peace with either result,” Gaetz added. (read more)
We all need to let our congressional representatives know whether we support or do not support the motion.