Gaetz suggests bipartisan compromise for Motion to Vacate.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Open to Negotiating Procedural Tool Change for House Speaker Removal
Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has expressed a willingness to strike a deal regarding the procedural tool he used to remove Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House speaker. Gaetz is urging his colleagues to consider reforms proposed by Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) in exchange for modifying the rules to make it more difficult to initiate a no-confidence vote against the chamber’s leader.
Ok. Let’s negotiate.
My GOP colleagues want to raise the threshold on the motion to vacate.
This is a question for all of them.
If we enact the reforms @RepRoKhanna lays out here….
How high would you like the MTV threshold to be?
Because I’ll basically give you whatever… https://t.co/uaFhoNi0Is
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 5, 2023
Gaetz shared a post highlighting Khanna’s announcement of an anti-corruption plan, which includes proposals for term limits in Congress, stricter regulations on congressional stock trading, and reducing the influence of lobbyists and PACs.
A dialogue ensued as Khanna responded to a Washington Examiner reporter’s post about Gaetz’s offer.
“Let’s push for a floor vote on any three of the items, Gaetz! Instead of resorting to name-calling, it’s time to acknowledge that the American people are fed up with how things are functioning here. They don’t hold a high opinion of us and demand common sense changes,” Khanna said.
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“How many Democrats can you deliver for this agenda? I can rally around 8,” Gaetz responded.
“You know what’s sad, Matt,” Khanna responded. “Not more than 10. Let’s be honest with folks. The American people should know that LESS than 20 members advocate for banning PAC & lobbyist money, even though that polls at 80%. Many need to be shamed into voting for it once it’s put on the floor.”
The “Motion to Vacate the Chair” and Calls for Reform
The “motion to vacate the chair” is a rarely used parliamentary tool in the history of the United States. In 2019, lawmakers raised the threshold for bringing a motion to vacate to the House floor to require a majority of either party. However, the House rules package approved for this session of Congress restored the ability of a single member to trigger the process as a concession to GOP holdouts, including Gaetz, while McCarthy sought to secure the speaker’s gavel.
Citing frustrations with McCarthy’s leadership, Gaetz filed a “motion to vacate the chair” after the House passed a short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown. Gaetz and seven other Republicans joined with Democrats in a 216-210 vote that ousted McCarthy, who later announced he will not run for the position again.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) have announced their candidacies for the speakership on the GOP side, while Democrats are likely to support Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
There has also been speculation about former President Donald Trump potentially taking on the role, as the Constitution does not require the speaker to be a sitting member of the House. Trump emphasized in a post to Truth Social that he is focused on his 2024 campaign for a second term in the White House but expressed openness to assisting in the selection of a new speaker.
A simple majority is needed to secure victory in a chamber-wide vote for speaker. In the interim, Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) is holding the position.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers are advocating for changes to the “motion to vacate” rule. Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) stated that he will not support any candidate until there is a commitment to reform the rule, while Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) expressed willingness to abandon the “motion to vacate” if Jordan becomes speaker.
In the Senate, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) encouraged the next speaker to eliminate the “motion to vacate” mechanism, stating that it hinders the speaker’s ability to govern effectively.
What are some of the criticisms and support for Gaetz’s decision to not seek re-election as House speaker?
Would not seek re-election as House speaker.
This move by Gaetz drew both criticism and support from his colleagues. Some Republicans accused him of undermining party unity, while others commended him for taking a stand against what they perceived as ineffective leadership. Regardless of the differing opinions, Gaetz’s action sparked a conversation about the motion to vacate and the need for possible reforms.
Representative Ro Khanna’s anti-corruption plan has gained attention as a potential solution to the ongoing issue. Khanna’s proposals, which include term limits, stricter regulations on congressional stock trading, and reducing the influence of lobbyists and PACs, align with the desire for reform expressed by Gaetz and others.
Gaetz’s offer to negotiate a procedural tool change, in exchange for implementing Khanna’s proposed reforms, is a significant development in this conversation. It shows a willingness to find common ground and work towards a solution that benefits both parties.
The exchange between Gaetz and Khanna on Twitter highlights the potential for bipartisan collaboration on this issue. While there may be disagreements on the specifics, the fact that both representatives are open to dialogue and compromise is a promising sign.
The Importance of Procedural Tool Reform
The motion to vacate the chair, as demonstrated by Gaetz’s use of it, has the power to remove the House speaker and reshape the leadership of the chamber. This tool should not be taken lightly, as it has the potential to impact the direction and effectiveness of Congress.
However, there are concerns about the ease with which this motion can be triggered. Allowing a single member to initiate the process could potentially lead to instability and chaos within the House. It also raises questions about the accountability and transparency of such a significant decision.
By considering reforms to the motion to vacate, such as raising the threshold for initiating the process or requiring a supermajority vote, there is an opportunity to address these concerns while still preserving the ability to hold the House speaker accountable.
The Path Forward
As negotiations and discussions continue, it is crucial for representatives on both sides of the aisle to keep the best interests of the American people in mind. The goal should be to find a solution that enhances the functioning of Congress, promotes transparency and accountability, and restores faith in the democratic process.
While it remains to be seen how this exchange between Gaetz and Khanna will influence the ongoing debate on procedural tool reform, it is encouraging to see representatives engaging in constructive dialogue and expressing a willingness to compromise.
In a political landscape often characterized by division and gridlock, moments of cooperation and cooperation should be celebrated. The potential for procedural tool reform and its impact on the House speaker removal process should not be underestimated. It has the potential to shape the future of Congress and ultimately, the effectiveness of our democracy.
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