Savannah Standard

In response to Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) motion to vacate Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) emphasized the need for legislative focus on crucial issues like appropriations, impeachment inquiry, and border security, urging unity and setting aside personal disputes for the benefit of the nation. Rep. Carter acknowledged Speaker McCarthy's resilience in the face of challenges and called for collective dedication to essential national priorities.

"Today’s vote will show us who is interested in governing and who is interested in self-promotion," said Rep. Carter. "We should be focused on passing the remaining appropriations bills, the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, securing the border, and delivering on the Commitment to America, not fighting over personal grudges for cheap headlines."

Rep. Carter expressed his support for Speaker McCarthy, stating, "Kevin McCarthy has succeeded every single time the liberal media wrote him off – during his election for speaker, the debt ceiling fight, the government funding deadline, and now a motion to vacate. He is an effective speaker who is delivering results for the American people and has my full support."

The move to vacate Speaker McCarthy's position was orchestrated by fellow Republican Matt Gaetz and followed dissatisfaction within the House regarding McCarthy's positions on spending cuts and the war in Ukraine. Gaetz had previously warned of such action if McCarthy collaborated with Democrats to fund the government, which ultimately transpired over the weekend.

After an unprecedented vote on Tuesday, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has declared his intention not to pursue the speaker role again, further throwing the House of Representatives into a state of uncertainty. Representative Matt Gaetz and seven fellow GOP members led the motion to vacate, ultimately prevailing with Democratic support, resulting in a 216 to 210 vote in favor of ousting the Speaker.

McCarthy's tenure as speaker, ranking as the third shortest in history, encountered significant challenges within the GOP, particularly regarding issues such as spending reductions, border security, and aid for Ukraine. As the clock counts down to another potential government shutdown in 44 days, House Republicans are now faced with the task of electing a new speaker. Several potential contenders, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have emerged, setting the stage for a race to fill this pivotal role.

According to a report by Politico on October 4th, the recent upheaval and ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have triggered concerns in Kyiv, Ukraine. The worry stems from the perception that Ukraine is now being wielded as a tool in the realm of US domestic politics, potentially affecting the massive amounts of American aid to Ukraine.

Following Rep. Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House, Representative Carter went onto the Washington Journal and said that the ousting was a "sad day for America."