McCarthy Ousted As US House Speaker: Replacement To Inherit A Poisoned Chalice

In a first time in US history, Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday was abruptly removed from his role as House Speaker, ousted by hard-right members of his own Republican party.

The ousting of McCarthy marked an end to a short tenure for the California Republican, coming as Americans’ confidence in the future of US political system remains low.

Tuesday’s decision puts a halt to all business in the House of Representatives until the House, which enjoys a narrow Republican majority, elects a new speaker.

McCarthy Working With Democrats To Pass A Stopgap Spending Bill

Over the weekend, McCarthy knew he might have to do something he had avoided for months if he wanted to avert a government shutdown.

He worked with House Democrats to pass a stopgap spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, to extend government funding through November 17.

The former House Speaker’s move was an act of defiance against the hardliners, with some even threatening to force a vote to overthrow him.

Patrick McHenry Designated As The Acting Speaker

Republicans plan to hold a vote for a new speaker next Wednesday, with McCarthy confirming on Tuesday night he would not run for the position again.

In the tense chamber, eight hard-right Republicans decided to join 208 Democrats in supporting his removal, as 210 Republicans failed to keep the speaker in place.

Congressman Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican, has been designated as the acting speaker until a new House leader is elected.

Republican Stresses Need For “A Fresh Start”

Some Republican leaders condemned the ousting of McCarthy, with former Vice President Mike Pence suggesting it would undermine the Republican party in the eyes of voters.

The eight Republicans who supported his removal offered a range of reasons, including South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace stressing: “We need a fresh start.”

McCarthy “has not lived up to his word on how the House would operate,” she noted, arguing the chaos in Congress would be worse with the former speaker in charge than without him.