Gaetz files motion to vacate the chair

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) announced yesterday evening that he was filing a motion to vacate the chair. This motion, aimed at Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Speaker of the House, is valid according to the Rules of the House, because this was a condition of breaking the deadlock and allowing McCarthy to become Speaker.

Gaetz carries out his threats

Matt Gaetz had threatened to file a motion to vacate after observing that McCarthy was “out of compliance.” This referred to the understanding between the two men that the Florida Representative would seek to oust McCarthy if the latter made any deal with the Democrats to pass appropriations bills or “continuing resolutions.” Rep. McCarthy actually dared the Florida congressman to file such a motion, using unprintable language.

McCarthy did make such a deal, passing a continuing resolution with almost the entire Democratic caucus supporting him. Ninety Republicans, including Gaetz, voted against it.

At that time, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who supported McCarthy’s bid for the Speakership, made the first threat.

But Gaetz hadn’t forgotten his threat. On Sunday (October 1), he told Newsmax that McCarthy would “get his wish.”

Last night at 7:38 p.m. EDT, the Florida Representative made good.

His supporters don’t actually expect the motion to carry. Its purpose is to embarrass the “establishment” faction of the House Republican Conference.

But he actually has more with which to embarrass McCarthy than continuing resolutions. He accused the Speaker of cutting a secret deal with President Joe Biden concerning funding for Ukraine.

Apparently that establishment or “RINO” wing isn’t idle. They are trying to expel Gaetz for unspecified financial chicane. His colleague, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), expressed her outrage at that development.

This is a developing story. More facts will be available as they become apparent.