Republicans and Democrats Push Washington into Chaos

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy became the first speaker to be voted out of office after Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday, pushing Washington into chaos.

McCarthy’s Rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Forces Vote on “Motion to Vacate”

McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, forced the vote on the “motion to vacate,” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

Uncertain Next Steps for House Republican Majority

The next steps are uncertain, but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority.

McCarthy’s Removal Declared Official

Stillness fell as the presiding officer gaveled the vote closed, 216-210, saying the office of the speaker “is hereby declared vacant.”

Rep. Patrick McHenry Named Speaker Pro Tempore

Moments later, a top McCarthy ally, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., took the gavel and, according to House rules, was named speaker pro tempore, to serve in the office until a new speaker is chosen.

House Republicans Discuss Path Forward

The House then briskly recessed so lawmakers could meet and discuss the path forward.

McCarthy’s Punishment for Working with Democrats

It was a stunning moment for the battle-tested McCarthy, a punishment fueled by growing grievances but sparked by his weekend decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown.

Fiery Debate Unfolds over McCarthy’s Fate

McCarthy’s fate was deeply uncertain as the fiery debate unfolded, with much of the complaints against the speaker revolving around his truthfulness and his ability to keep the promises he had made since January to win the gavel.

Republicans and Democrats Meet Privately Ahead of Vote

At the Capitol, both Republicans and Democrats met privately ahead of the historic afternoon vote.

McCarthy Receives Standing Ovations

McCarthy received three standing ovations during the private meeting – one when he came to the microphone to speak, again during his remarks and finally when he was done.

Democrats United Against McCarthy

Across the way in the Capitol, Democrats lined up for a long discussion and unified around one common point: McCarthy cannot be trusted.

House Republicans Launch into Chaos

Removing the speaker launches the House Republicans into chaos, as they try to find a new leader. There is no obvious GOP successor.

Trump Questions Republican Infighting

Trump, the former president who is the Republican front-runner in the 2024 race to challenge Biden, weighed in to complain about the chaos.

McCarthy’s Controversial Decisions

Republicans were upset that McCarthy relied on Democratic votes Saturday to approve the temporary measure to keep the government running until Nov. 17. Some would have preferred a government shutdown as they fight for deeper spending cuts.

But Democrats were also upset with McCarthy for walking away from the debt deal that he made with Biden earlier this year that already set federal spending levels, as he emboldened his right flank to push for steep spending reductions.