Tensions are at an all-time high right now as Florida Representative Matt Gaetz and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy continue to butt heads. After narrowly avoiding the government shutdown, Gaetz announced that he still plans to move forward on a motion to vacate against McCarthy.
However, now it appears that some Republican colleagues are also looking to expel Gaetz from office. The outcome of this battle could have implications for both Republicans and Democrats alike.
Gaetz, an outspoken Florida lawmaker, is spearheading an effort to remove House Speaker McCarthy from his post as leader of the lower chamber in Congress.
This move has frustrated some Republican colleagues who are now seeking to expel him from office if evidence of wrongdoing is found by the House Ethics Committee – which is currently investigating him for alleged sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and public corruption allegations.
It would take a two-thirds vote for this motion to pass – meaning both Democrats and Republicans would need to support it given their current makeup in Congress with 221 Republicans and 212 Democrats.
I will file a motion to vacate against @SpeakerMcCarthy this week. pic.twitter.com/kFA7X7P2OG
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 1, 2023
To push back on Gaetz’s efforts, McCarthy said “This is personal with Matt…He wanted to push us into a shutdown even threatening his own district with all the military people there who would not be paid.” He added that “only because he wants to take this motion” before saying “So be it. Bring it on. Let’s get over with it and let’s start governing.”
Kevin McCarthy fires back at Matt Gaetz over their Speaker fight.
"This is personal with Matt… He's more interested in securing TV interviews than doing something."
"So be it. Bring it on. Let's get over with it and let's start governing. If he's upset because he tried to… pic.twitter.com/eSTs972a21
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) October 1, 2023
Former Speaker Gingrich has commented on the situation saying “the effort to expel Matt Gaetz for being a destructive, irresponsible anti-Republican may be a step too far”.
He believes that instead expelling him from the House Republican Conference altogether while still allowing him individual resources would show enough action rather than expulsion which requires a two thirds vote from both parties.
