(RepublicanReport.org) – On October 3, Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) submitted a motion to vacate the House speaker from his position. The lawmaker was angry that Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) worked with Democrats to keep the government from shutting down — an event that would negatively impact everyday Americans. When the vote came to pass, eight Republicans joined all present House Democrats in making history, ousting McCarthy from his position.
On October 4, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) commented on the recent ousting. He said the first thing the next speaker needs is to eliminate the new rule giving a single member of the House to file a motion to vacate the chair. McConnell said the rule makes the House speaker’s job “near impossible.” He also mentioned that McCarthy had “much to be proud of” during his short time as the House leader.
The ability for a single member to bring a motion to vacate is something new. In fact, McCarthy himself implemented the rule as one of many concessions in order to gain the speaker position. It took the House 15 rounds of voting and a lot of promises in January to finally give the California legislator the gavel. Some of those who agreed to give him the job likely believed the new rule would help keep McCarthy in check. That didn’t work as expected. Now House Republicans will have to choose a new House speaker. Whether that person will follow McConnell’s sage advice to rid the Lower Chamber of the tenuous rule remains to be seen.
For now, the temporary speaker is Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) who only has limited authority. Until a new person is chosen for the role, that congressional group can do no business. With November closing in fast, and the government facing another possibility of a shutdown, it’s imperative that GOP members pick a leader quickly, so the legislative body can keep working for the American people.
Do you think the single-member motion to vacate ability should be removed, as McConnell suggested?
Copyright 2023, RepublicanReport.org
