Capitol Hill is buzzing as Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz pushes to dethrone Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz’s move, a motion to vacate, requires the House to vote within two legislative days on whether to unseat McCarthy.
Interestingly, McCarthy himself has permitted such a challenge during a past dispute, likely not foreseeing it being used against him.
This isn’t just party infighting. The ripple effects are significant. McCarthy needs Democratic votes to retain his position given the strength of his far-right opposition. But will Democrats lend a hand?
Previously they’ve been unanimous in supporting their own leader, Hakeem Jeffries, and McCarthy’s actions, such as initiating an impeachment inquiry into Biden, haven’t endeared him to the opposing party.
But if this bid fails, Gaetz threatens repeated removal attempts, a tactic rarely seen in the House’s long history. If McCarthy were to be removed, the House would grind to a halt, unable to conduct legislative business.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
