Why Was Kevin McCarthy Ousted?

Another historical event happened today with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was ousted from office in the middle of his first term. This is the first time in the history of the United States that an announcement like this has happened: “The office of speaker of the House of the United States House of Representatives is hereby declared vacant.” The statement was made by Rep. Steve Womack (R-Arkansas) who was presiding over the House chamber. 

The vote came about because a group of Republicans did not like the status quo budget deal arranged by McCarthy on Saturday to keep the government open. This morning Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) introduced a motion to remove McCarthy. Republican Representatives Andy Biggs (Arizona), Eli Crane (Arizona), Ken Buck (Colorado), Tim Burchett (Tennessee), Bob Good (Virginia), Nancy Mace (South Carolina), and Matt Rosendale (Montana) joined Gaetz in voting to remove McCarthy as speaker. They were joined by all the Democrats in a vote of 216-210.

Representative Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina) is the temporary speaker to oversee the chamber. His first act was to send all the representatives home. However, a group of House Republicans met in a closed door meeting this evening.

No one knows what will happen now or when a new Speaker – whoever it may be – will be elected. It was possible to oust McCarthy because McCarthy and the conservatives negotiated some items of business and made it possible for McCarthy to have the necessary votes to make him speaker. Gaetz and the seven other conservatives feel that McCarthy did not keep his end of the bargain.

The election for speaker will most likely take place next week. However, Americans should remember that McCarthy needed fifteen votes to become speaker. The House as a whole cannot engage in any work until a new speaker is chosen, but committees can continue their investigations and other work.