DEVELOPING STORY: For the first time in American history a speaker of the house has been removed from the House of Representatives. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was removed from office in a 216-210 vote.
“The office of Speaker of the House of the United States House of Representatives is hereby declared vacant,” it was announced from the House chamber.
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“This is as high drama as you could get,” said Fox News Channel’s Chad Pergram.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) had introduced a motion to vacate the chair on Monday. He accused McCarthy of going back on his word.
“Kevin McCarthy lied to all of us,” he said in remarks immediately after the vote.
Earlier in the day, the Florida congressman defended his decision to go after McCarthy.
“I don’t think voting against Speaker McCarthy is chaos. I think $33 trillion in debt is chaos. I think not passing single-subject spending bills is chaos. I think being governed by continuing resolutions and omnibus bills is chaos. Chaos is somebody we cannot trust with their word. That’s why I’ve moved to vacate the chair,” Gaetz said.
Among those dropping shade was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I was one of the guys who opposed McCarthy before it was cool,” the governor told Fox News prior to the vote.
Gaetz is not wrong that McCarthy has failed to deliver on promises he made to House Republicans – and the American voters.
“I take no lecture from those who would grovel and bend knee for the lobbyists and special interests who own our leadership, hollow out this town, and borrow against the future of our future generations,” he said.
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I don’t think voting against @SpeakerMcCarthy is chaos.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 3, 2023
I think $33 Trillion in debt is chaos.
I think not passing single-subject spending bills is chaos.
I think being governed by continuing resolutions and omnibus bills is chaos.
Chaos is somebody we cannot trust with their… pic.twitter.com/e3Nx2kIdyZ
🚨BREAKING: Speaker McCarthy speaks with Fox News' Chad Pergram as the vote to oust him as speaker unfolds. He expresses optimism he will remain Speaker:
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 3, 2023
"These are the same ones who opposed me before, so…they're turning the floor over to the Democrats." pic.twitter.com/SGM35ZNPS2