(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) In a Thursday private meeting, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., minced no words and dropped an F-bomb in response to calls to have him ousted for failing to uphold the assurances he gave to garner enough support from conservative lawmakers to become speaker.
“If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file a f–king motion,” McCarthy declared, according to Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.
McCarthy’s fiery remarks came in response to ousting threats stemming from his alleged support of a spending package aimed at preventing a government shutdown, according to the New York Post.
The tension spilled over to Twitter, with Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., taking a jab at McCarthy’s outburst. “Sounds like @SpeakerMcCarthy is having a total normal one – not rattled at all,” Getz said on Twitter. “Truth is Kevin controls his own fate.”
Sounds like @SpeakerMcCarthy is having a total normal one – not rattled at all.
Truth is Kevin controls his own fate.
So instead of emotionally cursing, let’s do this:
Single-subject spending bills
Term limits vote
Balanced budget vote
Release J6 tapes to all
Subpoena… https://t.co/Yr6BY0SJQ6— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 14, 2023
Gaetz called for action important to conservative Republicans, including the passage of single-subject spending bills, term limits votes, the unfettered release of January 6th tapes, and subpoenas related to Hunter Biden.
During a press gaggle on Thursday, McCarthy seemed unbothered by the ongoing battle. When a reporter probed about the exact words he used during the closed-door meeting, a laughing McCarthy said he preferred to keep the specifics of his response private.
Reporters after closed-door House GOP meeting: “Did you tell your critics who threatened to file a motion to vacate to ‘bring it on?’ What was the exact language you used, if you don’t mind sharing with us?”
Speaker Kevin McCarthy: “I mind sharing with you.” pic.twitter.com/sApvMMnm3v
— The Recount (@therecount) September 14, 2023
Gaetz, a vocal advocate for McCarthy’s removal as house speaker, emphasized that the impeachment initiative should not serve as a shield for McCarthy against the motion to vacate, saying, “Impeachment is not some get-out-of-jail-free card for Kevin McCarthy.”
Despite the turmoil, McCarthy garnered support from most Republicans, with only GOP Reps. Lauren Boebert, Colo., Andy Biggs, Ariz., Eli Crane, Ariz., Bob Good, Va., and Matt Rosendale, Mont., opposing him in the final tally.
