Kevin McCarthy Issues Challenge to Right-Wing Detractors in Closed-Door House GOP Meeting

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) issued a challenge to his right-wing detractors during a closed-door House GOP meeting on Thursday morning. According to Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a McCarthy supporter, the Speaker told his Republican colleagues, “If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file the fucking motion.”

The motion to vacate the speaker’s chair is a formal procedure under current House rules that allows any one member to force a vote to remove the Speaker. This challenge comes as McCarthy faces pressure from members such as Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to 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.

McCarthy has been Speaker since 2019 and has been a vocal advocate for the Republican agenda. He has been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and his policies. He has also been a vocal critic of House Democrats, accusing them of playing politics with the coronavirus relief package.

Despite the challenge, it is unlikely that McCarthy will be removed as Speaker. He has the support of the majority of the House Republican caucus and is expected to remain in the position for the foreseeable future. It is unclear if any of his detractors will take him up on his challenge and file the motion to vacate the speaker’s chair.