Will McCarthy's ousting leave US politics 'paralyzed'? | DW News

Members of the US House of Representatives removed Speaker Kevin McCarthy from power in a historic vote Tuesday. McCarthy's ouster represents the first time in the history of the United States that a speaker — the leader of the House majority and second in line from the presidency behind the vice-president — has been removed from office.

"I ended up being the 55th speaker of the House... one of the greatest honors. I loved every minute," McCarthy told reporters after the vote, making it clear he had no intention to stand again. "And the one thing I will tell you is doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it is necessary. I don't regret standing up for choosing governance over grievance." Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden urged the House to choose a replacement quickly.

"Because the urgent challenges facing our nation will not wait, he hopes the House will quickly elect a speaker," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina was tapped as speaker pro tempore after McCarthy's seat was vacated. McHenry, the chair of the House Financial Services Committee, is a McCarthy ally and spoke in support of him before the vote.

How was McCarthy voted out?
The motion to vacate the California Republican was filed by fellow GOP Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida. On Monday, Gaetz announced in the House: "I have enough Republicans where at this point next week, one of two things will happen: Kevin McCarthy won't be speaker of the House, or he'll be the speaker of the House working at the pleasure of the Democrats." In the end, he didn't need that long. Tuesday's 216-210 for removal swiftly saw McCarthy gone after a motion to delay the vote failed just prior. McCarthy's reputation as a comparatively moderate Republican, who has in some cases shown a willingness to compromise with President Joe Biden, ultimately led to his downfall among conservatives.

Open outcome
When McCarthy was appointed in January, he needed a record 15 rounds of voting before assuming the role. He now becomes the first House leader ever voted out of the speakership. Ousting the ambitious Californian threatens to throw the House into total chaos, as no Republican has declared a willingness to take up the gavel. Earlier on Tuesday, McCarthy had said: "I'm an optimist. I put money on myself." That confidence was ultimately misplaced.

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