In a historic turn of events, Kevin McCarthy’s tenure as House Speaker faces a significant threat. The outcome of this high-stakes political battle could reshape the leadership of the House of Representatives.
House in Rare Move to Vote on Speaker’s Removal
For the first time in 113 years, the House is poised to vote on the removal of its Speaker, Kevin McCarthy. The move comes as Democrats, along with Rep. Matt Gaetz and 11 conservative Republicans, united to support advancing McCarthy’s removal. This unprecedented unity signals potential trouble for McCarthy’s grip on the speakership.
11 Republicans Defect in Favor of McCarthy’s Removal
Eleven Republicans defied party lines and voted in favor of proceeding to a final vote on McCarthy’s removal. Notable among them were Reps. Warren Davidson, Eli Crane, Ken Buck, and Matt Gaetz. While some lawmakers like Victoria Spartz plan to change their stance in the final vote, McCarthy’s position remains precarious.
The Crucial Final Vote
The House is scheduled to hold the final vote on McCarthy’s leadership later today. If McCarthy is removed, the House clerk may temporarily select a speaker from a secret list of McCarthy’s chosen successors, following post-9/11 rules.
McCarthy’s Allies Vow to Fight On
McCarthy’s supporters indicate that even if he is ousted, he will likely remain a contender in subsequent speakership ballots. This leaves open the possibility of McCarthy’s return to the position conservatives are striving to strip from him.
Potential Speaker Successors
In the event of McCarthy’s removal, potential successors include Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik. However, all three have disavowed any interest in replacing McCarthy, leaving the GOP leadership in uncertainty.
Rift in the GOP
McCarthy’s recent decision to support a stopgap spending patch that lacked the conservative policies he had promised led to a rebellion within the GOP. The move further strained his relationship with the party’s right flank.
Historical Significance
The last attempt to evict a House Speaker was in 1910, which ultimately failed. McCarthy’s removal, if successful, would be a historically significant event.
Political Drama Unfolds
The drama extended to the Democratic side, with centrist Democrats withdrawing support for McCarthy after he refused to offer concessions. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s absence from the vote, due to her mourning of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, added another layer of complexity.
Senate Leaders Weigh In
In the Senate, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed support for McCarthy, while Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for opposing the influence of a “hard right group.”
The outcome of this high-stakes vote could reshape the leadership of the House of Representatives, with McCarthy’s speakership hanging in the balance.
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