U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) formally presented a resolution aimed at removing House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his position.
Gaetz made his intent clear on Monday evening while addressing the House, stating, “I rise to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the House. Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.”
This motion will be officially recorded in the House within two legislative days of submission.
This move follows weeks of speculation regarding Gaetz’s intention to initiate this process, which allows the House to hold a vote for a new speaker when one member calls for it.
Gaetz had publicly announced his challenge to McCarthy during an appearance on CNN, citing McCarthy’s failure to uphold promises made after the January speaker vote.
“Speaker McCarthy made an agreement with House conservatives in January, and since then he has been in brazen, repeated material breach of that agreement,” Gaetz claimed.
He also expressed concern about McCarthy’s dealings with Democrats, particularly regarding Ukraine funding.
“This agreement that he made with Democrats to really blow past a-lot of the spending guardrails we’ve set up is the last straw. And then overnight I learned that Kevin McCarthy had a secret deal with Democrats on Ukraine. So as he was baiting Republicans to vote for a continuing resolution without Ukraine money, saying that we were gonna ‘jam the Senate’ on Ukraine, and then he turns around and makes a separate deal.” he explained.
Gaetz, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, emphasized the need for new leadership that can be trusted.
“Let’s rip the band-aid off,” he said. “I think we need to move on with new leadership that can be trustworthy.”
In response, McCarthy expressed readiness for the challenge, saying, “Bring it on.”
The outcome of this battle for House speaker remains uncertain. Reports suggest that House conservatives anticipate at least seven votes against McCarthy’s continued speakership, with the potential for up to 12 to 24 members joining them.
U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), who previously voted against McCarthy, expressed support for Gaetz’s measure, while other McCarthy critics like U.S. Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Byron Donalds (R-FL) have expressed reservations about the plan.
