A bit of a coupe is unfolding among Republicans in the House of Representatives. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has filed a “motion to vacate” Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his position as speaker of the House.
Reportedly, a crucial vote to decide the matter will be taken Tuesday evening at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Rep. Gaetz threatened the move several weeks ago, saying that if McCarthy allowed substantive funding of the Ukraine war in the budget or signaled to withdraw the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, McCarthy would be voted out of his position.
Angering Republicans, on Sunday President Joe Biden announced he had made a deal with McCarthy regarding funding for Ukraine.
Fox News reported several fiscally conservative Republican representatives want to see McCarthy removed because he reportedly did not keep his commitment to honor budget spending limits and endorsed a 45-day continuing resolution to fund the government.
The continuing resolution moved forward with the endorsement of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the Senate and all but three Democrats in the House.
There were 126 Republicans in the House who voted for the continuing resolution, 90 opposed and five did not vote. This means McCarthy is in a vulnerable position and is at risk of being removed as speaker.
As of Tuesday morning, at least five Republicans — Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA) and Tim Burchett (R-TN) — will vote to remove McCarthy.
On Monday evening, Biggs posted his intent to vote to remove McCarthy: “Last November, I ran for House Speaker because I feared that Kevin McCarthy would not rein in federal spending and take on Democrats. As seen by his latest CR, these fears are now a reality. He cannot remain speaker.”
Reportedly, McCarthy has made overtures across the aisle and is hoping that moderate Democrats will vote “present” rather than “yes” and thus allow McCarthy to remain as Speaker.
In an interview over the weekend, McCarthy brushed aside the threat of a motion to vacate saying, “Bring it on.”
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