The Republican Kevin McCarthy was removed on Tuesday as president of the House of Representatives —the first time in the history of USA that a removal of this type occurs—after an extraordinary vote forced by a contingent of hard-line conservatives, in an action that unleashed chaos inside the lower house and within the Republican leadership.
The action represents almost the end of the political career of McCarthy, who has repeatedly said that he never gives up, but that now he has practically run out of options. Neither the right-wing Republicans who engineered his departure nor the Democrats who took advantage of the situation seem willing to negotiate.
McCarthy told lawmakers Tuesday afternoon that he will not run again for House speaker. The next steps are extremely uncertain as there is no clear successor to command the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Activity will be halted at the venue until next week, when Republicans try to elect a new president.
“I may have lost this vote today, but as I leave this chamber I feel fortunate to have served.”McCarthy said at a news conference on Capitol Hill. “I would not change anything”.
McCarthy’s main rival, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, introduced an unusual “motion to vacate” the legislative presidency, which quickly turned into a dramatic vote.
Although McCarthy enjoyed the support of many Republicans in his narrow majority, eight detractors — many of whom were the same ones who tried to prevent him from becoming House speaker last January — virtually forced his ouster.
Silence fell over the room as the official in charge closed a 216-210 vote, saying that “therefore, I declare vacant” the office of speaker of the House of Representatives.
Moments later, one of McCarthy’s top allies, Rep. Patrick McHenry, took the gavel, and in accordance with House rules, was named president pro tempore to serve until a new president is elected.
The House of Representatives shortly after declared a recess as lawmakers prepared to meet privately and discuss the path forward.
It was a surprising development for McCarthy, a punishment fueled by growing complaints but prompted by his weekend decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown.
Source: AP
Source: Gestion
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