Jeffries says Democrats will vote to remove McCarthy as House Speaker.
House Democratic Leader Calls for Removal of GOP Leader
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday recommended that members of his party vote to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his role as GOP leader.
“Given [House Republicans’] unwillingness to break from extremism in an authentic and comprehensive manner, House Democratic leadership will vote yes,” Jeffries said in a letter to fellow Democrats ahead of the vote on a challenge to McCarthy’s leadership by a fellow Republican.
Earlier on Tuesday, McCarthy teed up the vote for around 1:30 p.m. Representative Matt Gaetz, a McCarthy antagonist, on Monday introduced a “motion to vacate” that would force a vote to remove the speaker. If successful, it would be the first time in U.S. history that House lawmakers voted their leader out.
“I’m confident I’ll hold on,” McCarthy told reporters.
Democrats Accuse McCarthy of Betrayal
Democrats claim McCarthy is untrustworthy after he broke an agreement on spending with Democratic President Joe Biden. They are angered by McCarthy’s decision to green-light an impeachment investigation of the president.
Several said they would not vote to keep McCarthy in office.
“I believe Kevin McCarthy is a man unburdened by shame or principle,” Democratic representative Gerry Connolly said.
There is also little inclination in the White House to help McCarthy, according to two administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
McCarthy said he did not expect Democratic support.
The House could hold a straight up or down vote on Gaetz’s motion or could hold a vote to sideline it. If McCarthy hangs on to his job, Gaetz could potentially push for another vote.
Republicans Rally Behind McCarthy
Several Republicans said they were sticking with McCarthy as they emerged from a closed-door meeting on Tuesday in which they said he received multiple standing ovations.
“I don’t think there’s any question that there’s only one person prepared to lead our party. That’s understood by over 95% of the members,” said Republican representative Darrell Issa.
Gaetz did not speak to reporters after the meeting.
McCarthy’s party controls the chamber by a narrow 221-212 majority, and it would take as few as five Republican defections to threaten his hold on power if all Democrats also vote against him.
Gaetz and other hardline Republicans are angered that McCarthy relied on Democratic votes to pass a temporary funding extension on Saturday that headed off a partial government shutdown. A faction of about 20 Republicans, Gaetz included, had forced McCarthy’s hand by repeatedly blocking other legislation.
Gaetz was one of more than a dozen Republicans who repeatedly voted against McCarthy’s bid for speaker in January. McCarthy ultimately secured the gavel after 15 rounds of voting.
Gaetz allies said they were frustrated by the slow pace of spending legislation on McCarthy’s watch.
“We took a whole month of August off. I think that that’s pretty telling,” said Republican representative Tim Burchett, who said he would vote to oust McCarthy.
But over the past few days, other Republicans have said Gaetz is motivated by a hunger for publicity, a chance to win higher office, or resentment over an ongoing ethics probe into possible sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.
“It seems very personal with Matt. It doesn’t look like he’s looking out for the country or the institution,” McCarthy said.
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing and said he is not motivated by a dislike of McCarthy.
Other Republicans said they should focus on legislating, rather than infighting.
“This country does not need more drama,” said Republican representative Steve Womack.
(Reporting by Makini Brice, David Morgan, Richard Cowan, Nandita Bose, Moira Warburton, Susan Heavey, and Doina Chiacu; editing by Andy Sullivan, Jonathan Oatis, and Alistair Bell)
Why do Republicans see the vote as an opportunity for unity within the party?
Kevin McCarthy,” Republican representative Steve Scalise said.
Scalise and other Republicans painted the challenge to McCarthy’s leadership as a distraction from more important issues that the party should be focused on, such as the economy and national security.
“This is a waste of time and it takes away our focus on what we should be doing for the American people,” Scalise said.
Republicans see the vote as an opportunity for unity within the party, as they believe it will show that they are standing strong against Democratic attempts to divide them.
“This vote is about whether we stand together as Republicans or allow ourselves to be torn apart by the Democrats,” Republican representative Jim Jordan said.
Despite the challenges to his leadership, McCarthy remains confident and believes that he will retain his position as GOP leader.
“I have the support of my colleagues and I am ready to continue leading the Republican Party in the House,” McCarthy said.
The Impact of McCarthy’s Potential Removal
If McCarthy is successfully removed from his position as GOP leader, it will have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party. McCarthy has been a prominent figure in the party and has played a key role in shaping its policies and strategies.
His removal could lead to a power struggle within the party as different factions vie for control and influence. It could also impact the party’s ability to effectively oppose Democratic initiatives and advance its own agenda.
Furthermore, McCarthy’s removal could also have wider implications for the balance of power in Congress. With Democrats already holding the majority in the House, the removal of McCarthy could weaken the Republican Party’s ability to challenge Democratic policies and initiatives.
Conclusion
The vote to remove Kevin McCarthy as GOP leader has sparked a heated debate within the House of Representatives. Democrats accuse McCarthy of betrayal and untrustworthiness, while Republicans rally behind him as the best person to lead their party.
The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, but its impact could be significant for both the Republican Party and the balance of power in Congress. It remains to be seen how this challenge to McCarthy’s leadership will play out and what it means for the future of the GOP.
Regardless of the outcome, this episode highlights the deep divisions and political tensions that exist within the House of Representatives, as both parties grapple with the challenges of governing and advancing their respective agendas.
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