Former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who lost the position of Speaker last year, told Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday not to fear a motion to vacate.
On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” McCarthy was asked if the current chaos in the GOP conference is causing Republican lawmakers to leave the House or end their terms early. He mentioned his own experience being removed from the leadership role last year, saying that the motion to vacate him caused chaos.
He explained that when eight Republicans joined all the Democrats to decide who can run the House, causing chaos. He encouraged them to prioritize the country and move forward.
He praised Speaker Johnson's efforts and advised the conference and the Speaker not to be afraid of a motion to vacate, expressing doubt that it could happen again.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) filed a motion to vacate against Johnson over the bipartisan spending bill that was ultimately passed by the House last week.
He also mentioned that the motion to vacate him last year was due to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) trying to stop an ethics complaint. McCarthy, who left Congress last year, has continued to make this claim despite Gaetz pushing back on it. He also expressed skepticism that Democrats would support it, urging the focus to be on the country and the tasks at hand..
He also noted he does not believe the motion will come up, stating that it was not a privileged motion like Gaetz’s was against him.
He reflected on the past events, emphasizing the challenges faced by the country such as the economy and other important issues.
He stressed that the country is focused on its challenges, and urged for a similar focus from its politicians in resolving their own issues.
Former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was removed from the Speakership last year, encouraged Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) not to be scared of a motion to vacate. On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” McCarthy was asked if the current chaos within the GOP conference is causing Republican lawmakers to retire from the House or…