Shocking Twist: Matt Gaetz Launches Bold Move to Replace Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker

Rep. Matt Gaetz advanced his bid to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position of top House leader by making a motion to vacate the chair on the House floor. This procedural move, which is seldom used, has the potential to trigger a vote to remove the speaker. The outcome of this challenge to McCarthy's leadership remains uncertain, however, it poses the most significant threat to his speakership thus far. Successfully removing McCarthy would necessitate a majority in a floor vote.

The decision represents a significant intensification of tensions within the House GOP conference, which has been plagued by internal conflicts. If McCarthy is forced out of the speakership, it could potentially plunge the conference into disarray. This development occurs amidst a faction of House conservatives persistently obstructing McCarthy and opposing crucial GOP leadership initiatives, consistently impeding progress on the speaker's agenda.

From left, Matt Gaetz and Kevin McCarthy.

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McCarthy is currently facing a potential challenge to remove him from his position as speaker. This article will discuss the possible methods that could be used to achieve this goal.

Florida Republican Gaetz, who often criticizes McCarthy, has been advocating for the removal of the speaker through the congressional mechanism of vacating the chair. This mechanism grants any member the power to call for a new speaker election, but GOP leadership has several options to hinder or delay such an endeavor. As per House precedent, a resolution to oust the speaker holds the privileged status, granting it priority over other matters.

To compel a vote, a member must personally go to the House floor and publicly declare their intention to present the resolution for the removal of the speaker, similar to what Gaetz did. This action obliges the speaker to include the resolution on the legislative agenda within two legislative days, leading to a confrontation on the floor regarding this matter.

Nevertheless, even if a vote on the resolution to remove the speaker is imminent, it can still be overridden or prevented.

When the resolution is brought to the floor, a motion to table, or kill, the resolution can be proposed and will be the first to be voted on. If this vote succeeds with a simple majority, there will not be a direct vote on the resolution to remove the speaker because the resolution will be tabled instead.

In 2015, there was a high-profile showdown on Capitol Hill over a motion to vacate the office of speaker. GOP Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina filed a resolution to declare the office vacant while John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, served as speaker. However, it was not brought to a floor vote.

McCarthy may need Democratic support

: Shortly after the resolution was submitted, Boehner dismissed its importance, labeling it as "insignificant." However, a couple of months later, he disclosed his decision to step down, citing his initial plan to resign by the year-end but attributing his early resignation to the turmoil within his conference.

McCarthy faces the possibility of losing the support of at least five Republicans in the upcoming motion to vacate the speakers chair. This is a greater number of defections than he can afford to lose, making it apparent that he will need Democratic votes to maintain his position, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Gaetz, along with Representatives Eli Crane and Bob Good, have all publicly stated their intention to vote in favor of the motion. Representative Andy Biggs has indicated that he is inclined to vote for it, while Representative Tim Burchett admits that he is conflicted, as his conscience is urging him to "vote him out."

Earlier on Monday, McCarthy declined to dismiss the possibility of reaching an agreement with Democrats as a means to withstand Gaetz's attempt.

"I believe this issue concerns the integrity of our institution. Its significance cannot be overstated," he expressed during his interview with CNN. The speaker further mentioned that he has not yet communicated with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries regarding the Democrats' course of action in response to the motion to vacate.

After delivering his speech, Gaetz informed reporters on the steps of the Capitol that he intended to carry out his plan within the week when questioned about his motion to vacate.

Speaking to CNN, Gaetz confirmed that he had discussed the removal of McCarthy with former President Donald Trump but declined to reveal any specifics, stating that the conversation would remain confidential between the two of them.

Democratic cooperation, Ukraine aid threaten McCarthys leadership

: The decision to remove McCarthy was fueled by conservatives' discontent with his reliance on Democratic votes, which was evident in his recent move to pass a bill averting a government shutdown. Additionally, Gaetz highlighted the potential House votes concerning the provision of aid to Ukraine as another factor warranting his removal.

"Closing his statement, he mentioned that members of the Republican Party might alter their voting decisions on a motion to vacate once they become aware of the undisclosed agreement between the speaker and Joe Biden regarding Ukraine. He expressed his intent to listen attentively and urged everyone to stay tuned."

"In response to the prevented government shutdown, President Joe Biden addressed the public on Sunday and urged McCarthy and other Republican leaders to honor their commitment of conducting a separate vote on financial aid for Ukraine, as it strives to defend itself against Russia's invasion."

"I trust that my friends across the aisle will honor their commitment to support Ukraine as they promised in a separate vote," stated Biden. "It is imperative that we do not allow any disruptions to American support for Ukraine."

When questioned by a reporter about his level of trust in McCarthy for future deals, specifically referencing Ukraine, Biden replied, "We have recently reached an agreement regarding Ukraine, so only time will tell."

McCarthy refuted allegations of any undisclosed agreements regarding the allocation of funds for Ukraine. He clarified that his interaction with Democrats was solely focused on addressing any potential technical complications related to the legislation concerning the transfer of existing funds for government funding. McCarthy emphasized that there were no hidden arrangements or bargains made with regard to Ukraine.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to provide further details regarding Biden's statement during the weekend, apart from what has already been made public. When questioned about whether Biden was mentioning any particular agreement with McCarthy to secure new funding for Ukraine, she mentioned the evident bipartisan support for continuing funding to Ukraine.

This headline and story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Manu Raju, Annie Grayer, Lauren Fox, Sam Fossum, MJ Lee and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.