The remarks, confirmed to NBC News by two sources in a closed-door meeting, reflect renewed tension within the House Republican ranks as a government shutdown looms.
Frustration boiled over in a closed-door House GOP meeting Thursday morning when Speaker Kevin McCarthy all but dared his detractors to file the “motion to vacate” the speaker’s chair and try to remove him.
In the meeting, McCarthy told House Republicans, “If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file the f—ing motion,” according to two sources in the room who confirmed the comments to NBC News.
It was a nod to members including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and others who are threatening to force him out of the speakership if he doesn’t comply with their demands, like putting certain bills on the floor and not passing a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month.
Not force him out, they can force a vote for him to vacate the speaker’s chair. The GOP made this new rule back in January. I suspect they thought they’d be able to use it bring the House to its knees if the Democrats regained power or some such nonsense. Or to keep Pelosi from getting it back if the Dems got a majority in 2024. Or just harass a Democrat speaker.
McCarthy agreed to it in order to become speaker, because the MAGAts wouldn’t vote for him otherwise. They wanted it not for Democrats (who will just revoke the rule when they take control back) but to use as a cudgel against McCarthy exactly as they are doing now.
He weakened his position from the outset just to win, and now he’s the most feckless speaker in history. Truly galaxy brain level politicking