Speaker McCarthy Ousted
Published October 17, 2023
By AACOM Government Relations
Advocacy Federal Policy OME Advocate
- For the first time in history, the Speaker of the House was removed.
- Just days after then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) forged a compromise to avoid a government shutdown, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) brought up a motion to vacate, forcing a vote to remove Rep. McCarthy as Speaker. Eight Republicans joined with all Democrats in attendance and voted to remove him as Speaker by a vote of 216-210.
- To win the Speakership in a protracted vote in January, Rep. McCarthy conceded to change the threshold to bring a motion to vacate from five members down to one.
- Since the vote to remove the Speaker, the House has been in recess and until a new Speaker is elected, no votes can occur, including any on appropriations or emergency funding.