It looks like the kid gloves are off, and Matt Gaetz is making good on his promise. On Monday evening, October 2, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) formally introduced a motion to “vacate the chair” in a bid to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
The move comes after weeks of speculation and criticism from House conservatives, who are concerned about the current leadership’s lack of adherence to promises made in January when McCarthy was voted into office. With at least seven Republicans expected to vote against McCarthy, the upcoming battle for speaker of the house could be one for the history books.
JUST IN: U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has formally proposed a resolution to “vacate the chair” and oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his position.
Do you support this?
YES or NOhttps://t.co/YnNX09D3Ae
— Proud Elephant ???????????? (@ProudElephantUS) October 3, 2023
This motion is set to appear within the United States House record within two legislative days after filing it. Prior to this announcement, Gaetz had appeared on CNN Sunday morning where he expressed his dissatisfaction with McCarthy’s failure to honor promises made during his initial successful bid for speaker back in January.
He went on say that finding out about a secret deal between Democrats and McCarthy regarding Ukraine funding was “the last straw” that prompted him to take action against the current leader of their party in the House of Representatives.
In response to these events, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has indicated he is ready for whatever may come next regarding this situation by telling detractors that they should “bring it on” during an appearance on Face The Nation earlier this week.
Other former opponents such as U.S Reps Chip Roy (R-TX) and Byron Donalds (R-FL) have been less enthusiastic about joining forces with Gaetz however, throwing cold water on any plans which may ultimately overthrow McCarthy’s speakership role before it even begins.
At present time it is unclear how exactly this historic battle will play out or if any other members will join in on Gaetz’s formal motion.
