Historic Vote Removes Kevin McCarthy as US House Speaker

Facts

• In a dramatic vote Tuesday, the US House of Representatives voted to remove Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as House Speaker. The final totals were 216 to 210, with House Democrats largely joining in the call for McCarthy to vacate his position; this is the first time the Speaker of the House has been vacated through this process in American history.¹
• The move capped a day of intrigue on Capitol Hill with McCarthy receiving a standing ovation from most Republicans after a speech from his ally, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) before the final tally took place.²
• Earlier in the day, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R–Fla.) formally introduced a 'motion to vacate' against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), claiming that the decision was made due to a 'repeated breach of the agreement that he made in January.'³
• Speaking on the House floor, Gaetz had claimed McCarthy would either no longer continue his role or would remain 'working at the pleasure of the Democrats.' Replying on social media, McCarthy had responded 'Bring it on.'⁴
• Gaetz had previously warned McCarthy of his intent to remove the Speaker from his role if a short-term federal government funding bill was agreed upon, which was passed on Saturday.⁵
• Gaetz had accused McCarthy of breaking the 'Hastert Rule' — an unofficial convention within the party whereby a sitting Republican Speaker will not allow the chamber to vote on legislation without majority party support. Gaetz alleges McCarthy agreed to this rule in January but broke it during recent floor votes concerning Ukraine funding.⁶

Sources: ¹NBC (a), ²FOX News, ³NPR Online News, ⁴Associated Press, ⁵NBC (b) and ⁶The independent.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by American Conservative. It's clear that McCarthy had not come close to holding up his end of the bargain following his ascension to Speaker of the House. Gaetz's message is not just about fiscal responsibility, Ukraine, or the border, but rather the problem of power. To have continued to endorse McCarthy and the Biden administration's form of governance would be to sustain the shadow oligarchy that continues to benefit from America's political norms.
• Republican narrative, as provided by National review. Despite Gaetz's insistence, the problem within the House is not simply McCarthy but rather an ideological divide within the Republican membership. While Gaetz and his supporters view the GOP as a revolutionary force, the majority of the party understands the importance of gaining small wins against the Democrat-held Senate and White House. Gaetz must work to heal the divides within the GOP now that this vote is over.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by Los angeles times. The civil war between House Republicans highlights the wider dysfunction of the GOP. Self-styled House rebels are purposefully attempting to undermine their party's own tiny majority, while Gaetz's attempt to remove McCarthy ironically required more Democratic support than the conduct he has blasted the Speaker for engaging in. The Republican Party must solve its internal issues and focus on governing and policy-making on behalf of the American people.