House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was forced to vacate the speakership on Tuesday after Democrats voted in support of Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) motion to vacate the speakership.
The 216-210 vote marked the first time in U.S. history that the House has ever removed a speaker. The last time that a speakership was even challenged was more than 110 years ago.
The other seven Republicans who sided with House Democrats included Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ), Ken Buck (CO), Eli Crane (AZ), Bob Good (VA), Matt Rosendale (MT), Tim Burchett (TN), and Nancy Mace (SC).
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has been named Speaker Pro Tempore to preside over the House until a new speaker is named.
As he recessed the House for conference meetings, McHenry slammed the gavel hard out of apparent frustration over the situation.
The Rep. Patrick McHenry gavel slam …. pic.twitter.com/TV1VGbkT7Y
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) October 3, 2023
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The move to force McCarthy out angered numerous Republicans ranging from former President Donald Trump, who blasted the small group of Republicans for fighting with other Republicans, to more moderate members of the Republican Conference.
“This is a distraction from what we should be focusing on, which is the appropriations process,” said Main Street Caucus Vice Chair Stephanie Bice (R-OK). “This is all about Matt Gaetz. It’s not about Kevin McCarthy. Matt Gaetz is using the American people as pawns in his narcissistic game of charades.”
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