Republican Representative Matt Gaetz delivered a scathing critique against Kevin McCarthy on Monday following his motion to oust the House Speaker from his leadership position.
The House must vote within two days on the motion or on a separate motion to table or dispense with it.
“Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant,” Gaetz said.
“Resolved that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is hereby declared to be vacant,” he added.
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Today I’m filing a motion to vacate against @SpeakerMcCarthy. pic.twitter.com/voGdX1Ky67
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 2, 2023
McCarthy responded, writing: “Bring it on.”
Bring it on.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) October 2, 2023
Matt Gaetz fired back, “Just did,” after making moves to oust McCarthy.
During Gaetz’s address to the media, he did not mince words.
“If there’s a deal made with Democrats, the only deal is to make one with McCarthy. Because I’m not offering anything and won’t offer anything,” Gaetz emphatically stated.
He continued:
“And by the way, if the Democrats want to own Kevin McCarthy, they can have him.”
“Because one thing I’m at peace with is when we stand here a week from now, I won’t own Kevin McCarthy anymore,” Gaetz added.
“He won’t belong to me. So if the Democrats want to adopt him, they can adopt him.”
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JUST IN: Representative Matt Gaetz speaks out after he files motion to vacate against Speaker Kevin McCarthy, says Democrats can adopt him if they want.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 3, 2023
“If the Democrats want to own Kevin McCarthy, they can have it.”
“Because one thing I'm at peace with is when we stand here a… pic.twitter.com/2B5q8PgXtO
Gaetz believes McCarthy is too willing to compromise with Democrats only on sending billions of taxpayers’ money to Ukraine and immigration.
McCarthy reportedly made a side deal with GOP Minority leader Mitch McConnell and Joe Biden to continue funding Ukraine.
A statement released by the House Democrat leadership said:
“When the House returns, we expect Speaker McCarthy to advance a bill to the House Floor for an up-or-down vote that supports Ukraine, consistent with his commitment to making sure that Vladimir Putin, Russia and authoritarianism are defeated.
We must stand with the Ukrainian people until victory is won,” according to the statement released by the House Democrat leadership.”
The deal was confirmed by Biden in a post on X:
“I expect the Speaker to keep his word and secure the passage of support for Ukraine at this critical moment.”
Gaetz also blames McCarthy for an ongoing ethics investigation, potentially lead to his expulsion from the House.
In order for the motions to succeed, it would need widespread Democrat support.
Gaetz reportedly offered Democrats subpoena power in the impeachment inquiry Biden in exchange for their support.
However, it is uncertain what authority Gaetz would have to deliver on the promises.
The Democrat side of the House erupted into laughter as Gaetz left the floor after making his motion.
READ: Gaetz: Special Interests Who Own McCarthy Want Us ‘Backed Up against the Wall’
