The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Donna Robert
The House is just hours away from voting on a motion to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, and Rep. Matt Gaetz has picked up enough votes from Republicans leaning toward making that happen.
Mr. Gaetz, Florida Republican, filed a resolution Monday to remove Mr. McCarthy, setting in motion a floor vote this week that will decide the speaker’s fate and the direction of the House Republican Conference.
Mr. McCarthy, California Republican, on Tuesday said he’s sticking with keeping the government open, adding that if he loses his job over it, “so be it.”
Mr. Gaetz needs only four Republicans to vote along with his motion to vacate the chair.
The speaker plans to bring Mr. Gaetz’s motion up for a vote Tuesday afternoon. When asked by reporters if he thinks he will be speaker by the end of the day, he responded, “You know, if I counted how many times someone want to knock me out, I would have gone a long time [ago].”
Mr. McCarthy and his team likely are working members to stick by him. He has the support of about 200 House Republicans, but Tuesday morning some revealed how they would vote when the motion comes to the floor, and it looks bleak for Mr. McCarthy:
• Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee: Yes
• Rep. Bob Good of Virginia: Yes
• Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona: Yes
• Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona: Yes
• Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana: Lean yes
• Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina: Lean yes
If this tally continues, Mr. McCarthy may need support from Democrats to help him retain his speakership, but Democratic lawmakers have indicated they won’t get involved in a GOP civil war and bail him out.
