Maya Martin, Editor

Kevin McCarthy, who served as the 55th speaker of the United States House of Representatives, has officially been ousted in a 216-210 vote on Tuesday Oct. 3. After government spending issues, personal issues and a lack of trust from members of the House, a group of Republicans came together and raised the idea of ousting McCarthy.

As the first-ever speaker to be removed as leader of the chamber, this historical event is causing widespread surprise and chaos. Although the vote only lasted around one hour, the rebellion to take down McCarthy has lasted for a long period of time, according to The Wall Street Journal and 6ABC News.

When the threat of a government shutdown nearly a few weeks ago occurred, McCarthy risked his position when working with Biden to approve a $1.59 trillion discretionary spending budget. Several Republican lawmakers were unapproving of this decision and came together against him.

Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman from Florida, seemingly led the revolt against McCarthy. Rep. Gaetz created “a motion to vacate” which received the support of all Democrats and eight Republicans.

Gaetz continues to defend his actions taken against McCarthy although receiving lots of criticism because Congress remains at a standstill even after McCarthy’s demotion.

“Kevin McCarthy is a creature of the swamp,” Gaetz said after the vote to oust McCarthy. “He has risen to power by collecting special interest money and redistributing that money in exchange for favors. We are breaking the fever now”

Although his actions were supported by many Democrats, the Republican party is questioning Gaetz and his motives. Still, the defense of his own actions is unwavering

“I’m here to ensure that America’s not on a path to financial ruin,” said Gaetz during a Meet the 

Press interview. “We’re spending $7 trillion a year and only taking in $5 [trillion]. So to me, people who are willing to drive $2 trillion annual deficits are the agents of chaos.”

McCarthy, although accepting of this event, does not believe it was in the best interest of the G.O.P. and believes it was a personal attack on behalf of Gaetz and other Republicans involved.

“It’s Republican nature that they want to take down their leaders. It’s just what they do,” McCarthy said in an interview before midterm elections, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Many Americans are now asking the question: What happens next? Currently, Patrick McHenry is serving as the speaker pro tempore (a temporary speaker) until it is decided who the speaker of the House will be. In the meantime, he cannot bring legislation to the floor nor can he strike it, according to 6ABC and Fox News.

As of now, there are no definite ideas of who will be candidates for the speaker position, but time is ticking for the House as ongoing issues continue to fester, and a recent attack on Israel occurred.

McCarthy previously expressed that he would not attempt to get his role as speaker back. However, he recently showed signs of openness in coming back as the speaker to help resolve the issues that have arisen in Israel.

In a news conference on the Israel-Hamas war, McCarthy, “Stressed his strong ties to Israel and the importance of a firm U.S. response, as well as the need to avoid a vacuum of leadership in Congress,” according to The Wall Street Journal.

Although McCarthy declines to answer directly on whether he would seriously consider an attempt at regaining his position, the possibility exists. As of now, with no definite candidates for the speaker position, the House continues to remain at a standstill and delays addressing pertinent issues.