Matt Gaetz Moves to Oust Kevin McCarthy

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has filed a motion to vacate, seeking to remove Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.

New York Times: “In doing so, Mr. Gaetz sought to subject Mr. McCarthy to a rare form of political punishment experienced by only two other speakers in the history of the House of Representatives.”

“Under House rules, Mr. McCarthy and his leadership team will need to address the motion within two legislative days — though they could do so sooner.”

Washington Post: “The pursuit to depose McCarthy as speaker has alarmed many House Republicans, possibly setting up an internal civil war between staunch allies of McCarthy and those who have pressured him repeatedly with a variety of, at times unrealistic, demands.”

“The effort also likely would force McCarthy and his allies to strategize with Democrats, further irritating the hard-right, because the minority party will play a determinative role in whether McCarthy can hold onto his leadership seat.”