Tuesday, May 21, 2024

House Holds Final Vote As McCarthy Speakership Hangs In The Balance

-

On Tuesday, The House of Representatives voted to oust .

A Speaker has never been ousted by a motion to vacate, putting Congress in uncharted territory.

Republican Reps. (Fla.), Bob Good (Va.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Ken Buck (Colo.) Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), Matt Rosendale (Mont.), and Rep. Eli Crane (Ariz.) voted yes to vacate. Now Republicans must elect a new Speaker via a simple majority of the chamber.

The vote comes after a motion to table Gaetz's resolution to remove McCarthy as Speaker failed in the House in a 208-218 vote, allowing Gaetz's motion to move forward.

The only time the House has voted on whether to oust a Speaker was over 100 years ago in 1910, in an unsuccessful move against Speaker Joseph Cannon (R-Ill.).

Eleven Republicans voted against tabling a motion to vacate House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

  • Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.)
  • Rep. Eli Crane (Ariz.)
  • Rep. Warren Davidson (Ohio)
  • Rep. Bob Good (Va.)
  • Rep. Nancy Mace (S.C.)
  • Rep. Victoria Spartz (Ind.)
  • Rep. Tim Burchett (Tenn.)
  • Rep. Andy Biggs (Ariz.)
  • Rep. Matt Gaetz (Fla.)
  • Rep. Matt Rosendale (Mont.)
  • Rep. Cory Mills (Fla.)

The Hill noted that the last time a motion to vacate was filed was in 2015 against Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), however, it never came up for a vote.

Prior to Tuesday's vote, McCarthy indicated he would not make any deals with Democrats in exchange for their support to help save his Speakership and Democrats would not offer any lifelines.

“Hakeem Jeffries and I have a good relationship,” McCarthy said. “That doesn't mean they're going to vote for me. I understand where the Democrats are. I'm not asking for any special deal or anything else.” 

Over the weekend, the Florida Congressman told 's Jake Tapper that he planned to make good on his threats to oust McCarthy this week.

Gaetz filed the official motion Monday evening.

This is a story. Click refresh for the latest updates.

READ NEXT: New York Judge Issues Gag Order After Barrage Of Trump Insults

Nancy Jackson
Nancy Jackson
Nancy grew up in the South where her passion for politics first began. After getting her BA in journalism from Ole Miss she became an arts and culture writer for Athens Magazine where she enjoyed reporting on the eclectic music and art scene in Athens, GA. However, her desire to report on issues and policies impacting everyday Americans won out and she packed her bags for Washington, DC. Now, she splits her time between the Nation’s Capital and Philadelphia where she covers the fast-paced environment of politics, business, and news. In her off time, you can find Nancy exploring museums or enjoying brunch with friends.

Latest News