For the first time in U.S. history, following a bipartisan resolution, Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was voted out, 216-210, as Speaker of the House on Oct. 3.
McCarthy represents California’s 20th Congressional District which encompasses parts of Fresno, Tulare, Kern, and Kings County.
His tenure as speaker began on Jan. 7 – the second-shortest term in the country’s history at his respected position.
At the head of the move to remove McCarthy had been Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. Gaetz referred to McCarthy as chaotic and is untrustworthy as speaker on the House floor Tuesday.
“Chaos is Speaker McCarthy. Chaos is somebody who we cannot trust with their word,” Gaetz said on the House floor. “Kevin McCarthy said something to all of us at one point or another, that he didn’t really mean and never intended to live up to.”
But not all Republicans agree with Gaetz’s thoughts. For example, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio often walks the line with the far-right side of the Republicans and is a supporter of McCarthy.
“Kevin McCarthy has been rock solid,” Jordan said.
Gaetz called for the speaker’s removal after McCarthy opted to pass a bipartisan bill that would prevent a government shutdown.. The aforementioned bill will fund the government through mid-november which was opposed by conservatives.
McCarthy was warned by some GOP representatives that if he passed bills requiring support from the Democratic Party he would be ousted as speaker.
House Democrats said after Tuesday’s historic vote that they would not back Rep. McCarthy. Minority leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries wrote in a letter to his colleagues that it is a “solemn moment for the country,” and that the Democrats should continue to “work together in a bipartisan way,” in order to benefit and help America.
Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, a McCarthy supporter, will temporarily lead the House of Representatives and serve as speaker pro tempore. McHenry was on a list made by McCarthy to fill the position of speaker in case of a vacancy.
