Republican Matt Gaetz moves to formally remove Kevin McCarthy as US House speaker
- Moderate Democrats don’t commit to rescuing Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy
- House must vote on Congressman Matt Gaetz’s motion within two legislative days
Congressman Matt Gaetz officially moved to topple House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday evening, teeing up a high-stakes vote likely to dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington whatever the outcome.
McCarthy’s embrace on Saturday of a bipartisan deal to avert a US government shutdown triggered the Florida Republican’s mutiny.
“Bring it on,” McCarthy posted on X moments after Gaetz stood in the well of the House, formally beginning the process.
McCarthy must call a vote within two legislative days. The speaker or his Republican Party allies are expected to seek a vote as soon as Tuesday on an effort to block the manoeuvre.
After speaking, Gaetz calmly folded his papers, and walked up the centre aisle alone, to laughter and chatter from Democrats on one side of the chamber, and near silence of the few Republicans on the other side.