Rep. Matt Gaetz insisted Sunday that his efforts to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy were worth it, even if his fellow Republicans expel him from Congress in retaliation.
Gaetz (R-Fla.) led a faction of eight Republicans in backing a motion to vacate the presidency — or unseat McCarthy (R-Calif.) — in a 216-210 vote, with a unified bloc of Democrats, the last week, drawing condemnation from other members of the Republican Party.
“Absolutely,” Gaetz responded when asked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” if the move was worth it, even if it has repercussions for himself.
“Look, I’m here to fight for my constituents,” he added. “And I’m here to ensure that America is not on the path to financial ruin.”
Gaetz, who is rumored to be considering a run for governor of Florida, was furious about McCarthy’s decision to introduce a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown on September 30.
Instead, he wanted Congress to examine the 12 necessary appropriations bills one by one, something McCarthy agreed to do, albeit after approving the stopgap measure.
A cacophony of House Republicans lashed out at Gaetz in response, even reportedly contemplating expelling him from the House GOP caucus.
“That’s crazy,” Gaetz joked about the threat against him.
Kevin McCarthy accused Matt Gaetz of harboring personal animosity toward him. AP
Still, Gaetz pledged to back whichever of the two leading contenders to replace McCarthy wins the majority of the House Republican conference: Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Oh.) and House Leader majority, Steve Scalise (R-La.).
“Yes. If any of those men get the most support from the conference, I’m eager to vote for him on the floor,” Gaetz said.
He declined to endorse one over the other for now, saying he plans to wait for the Republican candidate forum on Tuesday.
Matt Gaetz had long been a thorn in Kevin McCarthy’s side.NBC
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who joined Gaetz’s bid to unseat McCarthy, endorsed Jordan on Sunday.
“I’m going to support Jim Jordan as speaker,” Mace said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” citing Jordan’s “values, his work ethic, his ability to get around everyone on policy.”
One of Mace’s complaints toward McCarthy was her lack of action on her legislation to address women’s issues during her nine-month period with the gavel.
McCarthy disputed their suggestions that he had broken a promise he had made to her in this regard.
Internally, many Republicans were upset by Nancy Mace’s defection, as she was considered a comparatively moderate member compared to people like Matt Gaetz.Getty Images
Moderator Margaret Brennan grilled Mace about allegations that Jordan turned a blind eye to sexual assault allegations against a wrestling team doctor while he coached at Ohio State University decades ago.
“I am not familiar or aware of that. [sic]Mace responded.
McCarthy’s dethronement marked the first time in history that a House speaker was ousted during an internal mutiny.
The last time a nullification motion was voted on was in 1910 against then-President Joseph Cannon (R-Ill.). Only three such motions have been presented.
Notably, both Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise supported Kevin McCarthy during the riot. AP
Republicans plan to vote on the next speaker on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is led by Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC), whose powers are limited and not fully understood.
Since there has never been an acting speaker before, there has been debate over McHenry’s ability to bring certain bills to a vote in the House of Representatives or complete other duties of a traditional speaker.
Meanwhile, war has engulfed Israel, aid to Ukraine is running out, and the nation is approaching the Nov. 17 deadline for another government shutdown.
Kevin McCarthy says he will continue serving in Congress and even kept the door open to running for re-election as a member. AP
Nationally, many top Republicans have denounced the chaos unfolding in the House of Representatives in Washington, DC.
“What I have seen there in Washington from both parties is a lot of theatrics. A lot of things get done, it’s performative, but ultimately it doesn’t lead to anything,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told “Fox News Sunday.”
“[Americans] “They really don’t care who the speaker of the House is, they just want to see the job done,” said the 2024 Republican presidential hopeful.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn