Gaetz calls McCarthy a ‘squatter’ for occupying Speaker Office amid failed votes
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Rep. Matt Gaetz questioned Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s occupancy of the House Speaker’s office after failing to get enough votes.
- McCarthy has yet to win the necessary 218 votes to fulfill his Speakership bid after three votes.
- Gaetz called McCarthy a “squatter” for occupying the office despite not getting enough votes.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has failed to earn the necessary 218 votes to fulfill his Speakership bid after the House of Representatives conducted three votes. The failure to elect a Speaker prompted Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to write a letter to the Architect of the Capitol questioning McCarthy’s occupation of the Speaker’s Office.
In Gaetz’s letter, he noted that McCarthy has occupied the Speaker’s Office. He argued, “As of this morning, the 117th Congress adjourned sine die, and a Speaker from the 118th Congress has not been elected. After three undeciding votes, no member can lay claim to this office.”
Gaetz asked if there is any legal basis or precedent “to allow someone who has placed second in three successive speaker elections to occupy” the office. He remarked, “How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?”
The Florida Republican asked for a prompt response, adding, “it seems Mr. McCarthy can no longer be considered Speaker-Designate following today’s balloting.”
Gaetz again called McCarthy a “squatter” on Tuesday evening.
After the GOP took back the House majority in the November midterms, McCarthy assumed the Speaker’s office, but he has yet to gather enough support from his party.
New Congress members cannot be sworn into office until they have chosen a new Speaker.
The initial election for a new Speaker did not reach the 218-vote threshold for the first time in about a century.
In the first vote, 19 Republicans opposed McCarthy’s bid. Other nominated candidates were Reps.-elect Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), and Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).
Meanwhile, Democrats united to elect Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) as their leader after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped down from her long-held position.
The second and third votes still failed to get the necessary votes. McCarthy lost a total of 20 votes when he lost one more vote in the last iteration, as Donalds switched from McCarthy to Jordan.
The House has adjourned and will reconvene on Wednesday at noon.
Source: Fox News
Lucky Coyne
January 4, 2023 at 8:49 pm
As viable way out the GOP can nominate Scalisi as Speaker and retain Mccarthy as their floor leader. Much smoother.
Less ruffled feathers! 😉
John
January 6, 2023 at 7:03 am
Maybe the Democrats that know Kevin is on there team can vote for him.
John J
January 6, 2023 at 6:44 am
Gaets even looks like a damned fool
Sandra
January 6, 2023 at 7:05 am
Republican Party is plagued with RINO’s and has made the GOP weak when it needed strength. Drop the rot and McCarthy. Choose stability and elect a true conservative.
1PatriotForever
January 6, 2023 at 7:09 am
well stated, good insight ^5
1PatriotForever
January 6, 2023 at 7:08 am
LOVIN YA GAETZs. You call a spade a spade.
McCarty either needs to be held accountable by the short hair or removed because he is a EINO as should all the other 94% of the so titled Republican Party.
The Republican Liberal Communist party needs ROUND UP sprayed and real Conservatives like Lord, Gaetz and others to step up and bring this country back to accountable
1PatriotForever
January 6, 2023 at 7:14 am
SORRY – Corrections
LOVIN YA GAETZs. You definitely call a spade a spade.
McCarty either needs to be held accountable by the short hair or he needs removed, because he is a R.I.N.O. In Fact 94% of the so titled Republican Party are Liberals and should run as Democrats but that wouldnt be cheating, that wouldnt be dishonest and we all know the liberals are all empty patriotically.
The Republican Liberal Communist party needs “ROUND UP” sprayed to remove the weeds and allow real Conservatives like Jordon, Gaetz and others to step up and bring this country back to accountability, responsibility and bring God’s moral compass and code back to the forefront of our minds and hearts
Jon-Q-Pubic
January 6, 2023 at 7:38 am
TRUTH – McCarthy will result in a repeat of from decades ago
deposit him
ELECT LAUREN BOEBART to that position
Sean Richman
January 6, 2023 at 3:45 pm
My biggest fear about McCarthy are his kalifornia roots.Kalifornia has put forth many politicians and their reputation and honesty is very questionable,schiff,pelosi,waters,ETC.McCarthy may be different,all we can do is hope and that the real AMERICANS win for once.