(The Epoch Times)—Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on Monday filed a motion to vacate Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as House Speaker, setting up a likely showdown vote in the lower chamber in the days ahead.
Mr. Gaetz is a member of the hardline conservative GOP faction that has, for months, warned Mr. McCarthy it would introduce a motion to vacate, a procedural tool, to attempt to oust Mr. McCarthy from his office if their concerns about specific items of government overspending were not acknowledged. Those threats escalated over the weekend after Mr. McCarthy relied on Democrats to provide the necessary votes to fund the government.
Announcing his motion, Mr. Gaetz said on the House floor that he was “declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant, and resolved that the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives is hereby declared to be vacant.”
The House speaker responded to Mr. Gaetz’s motion online, writing on X, “Bring it on.”
Mr. McCarthy agreed to a change in House rules to allow just one member to move such a motion when he made a deal with the conservative faction to secure his election as the 55th House Speaker on Jan. 7.
A motion to vacate is a rare and strong procedural tool that has only been used twice in the past century against Republican speakers.
On Sunday, the day after Congressional lawmakers averted a government shutdown, Mr. Gaetz pointed to the 45-day continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government as the reason for his move to vacate Mr. McCarthy’s office.
Mr. Gaetz said on Sunday that since then, Mr. McCarthy “has been in brazen repeated material breach of that agreement.”
“This agreement he made with Democrats to really blow past a lot of the spending guardrails we had set up is a last straw,” Mr. Gaetz said on Sunday.
The Florida representative also claimed that he had learned overnight that Mr. McCarthy “had a secret deal with Democrats on Ukraine.”
Hours before filing his resolution to vacate the speaker’s office, Mr. Gaetz demanded that Mr. McCarthy disclose the details of the supposed deal the speaker is accused of making with the White House to bring forward legislation to help fund the war in Ukraine during funding negotiations.
“It is becoming increasingly clear who the speaker of the House already works for and it’s not the Republican Conference,” Mr. Gaetz said earlier.
Mr. McCarthy denied any such deal, telling reporters at the Capitol earlier in the day that there was “no side deal” on Ukraine and that he was “focused on doing the work that has to be done.” He added that he had not spoken with President Joe Biden.
On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to explain President Biden’s remarks made over the weekend, which appeared to suggest that Democrats had reached a new deal with Mr. McCarthy on Ukraine.
When a reporter asked the president if he could trust Mr. McCarthy in future deal-making, President Biden responded: “We just made one about Ukraine. So, we’ll find out.”
Ms. Jean-Pierre declined to delve into the specifics of what the president meant and refrained from commenting on Mr. Gaetz’s remarks.
“I’ll leave Matt Gaetz to speak for himself,” she told reporters at a White House press briefing.
“When it relates to what the President said, I’m certainly not going to go beyond what he said,” Ms. Jean-Pierre added. “What we know is that there’s bipartisan support for this deal. Again, Speaker McCarthy was on the air multiple times yesterday saying that he wants to—he certainly wants to continue support for Ukraine to get the weapons that they need.”
Discover the Freedom of True American Healthcare: Why America First is Revolutionizing Protection for Patriots
In a world where government overreach and skyrocketing premiums are squeezing the life out of hardworking Americans, one innovative agency is standing tall for liberty and affordability. Meet America First Healthcare—the private health insurance powerhouse dedicated to putting *you* first.
Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento, this isn’t just insurance; it’s a shield for your family’s future, built on the unshakeable belief that private enterprise delivers better results than bureaucratic red tape.
Picture this: Jordan’s own story hits close to home for so many of us. A sudden medical emergency landed him with a staggering $95,000 bill. Under a traditional plan? He’d be buried in debt. But with America First’s patented health insurance, that nightmare shrank to just $500 out-of-pocket. That’s not a fluke—it’s the promise of coverage that works *for you*, from day one.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Conventional Coverage
Let’s face it: The status quo stinks. Marketplace.gov and big-insurance behemoths hit you with sky-high deductibles—thousands you’d have to pay before benefits even kick in—leaving massive holes in your protection. Need a routine mammogram, colonoscopy, or EKG? Good luck without forking over more cash. And don’t get us started on the gaps in dental, vision, or critical illness support when heart attacks, cancer, or kidney failure strike.
America First Healthcare flips the script. As a proud advocate for private solutions over government intervention, they craft custom plans that slash costs by 20% compared to traditional options. We’re talking comprehensive coverage that includes:
- Preventative and Wellness Care: Physical exams, screenings, and EKGs covered right away—no waiting games.
- Telemedicine Access: Virtual doctor visits anytime, anywhere, for that peace of mind.
- Accident and Critical Illness Protection: Real safeguards against life’s curveballs.
- Add-On Boosts: Dental, vision, disability, and supplemental plans to plug every leak.
Whether you’re an individual stepping off your parents’ plan, a growing family with kids in tow, or a small business owner tired of employee headaches, their tailored approach fits like a glove. Small businesses? Unlock group benefit rates usually reserved for corporate giants—without the red tape.
And for those in-between moments? Short-term insurance steps in as an ultra-affordable bridge, while life insurance ensures your loved ones are never left vulnerable.
Real Americans, Real Wins
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of freedom-loving families have already ditched the old system for America First. “Finally, insurance that aligns with our values and actually saves us money,” shares one client. Another raves, “Our small team got big-business perks without the hassle—it’s a game-changer.” These aren’t scripted lines; they’re the voices of patriots who’ve reclaimed control over their health destiny.
Your Move: Secure Your Shield Today
Why settle for less when you can demand better? America First Healthcare isn’t about profits—it’s about powering the American dream with reliable, value-driven protection. Plans are available year-round, no open-enrollment nonsense.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your current setup and lock in savings? Schedule your FREE healthcare review today at America First Healthcare. In under 15 minutes, their experts will map out options that fit your life, your budget, and your principles.
America First isn’t just healthcare—it’s a declaration of independence. Join the movement. Your family’s freedom starts now.