U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted amid GOP turmoil

It is first time in 234-year history that House of Representatives has voted out its leader

WASHINGTON – In an unprecedented move, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

It is the first time in its 234-year history that the House of Representatives has voted out its leader.

While 216 members voted to remove him, 210 members supported him.

Tensions within the Republican Party, especially with the right wing, led to this dramatic decision.

Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida, a staunch critic of McCarthy from the right wing of the party, initiated the motion to remove the Speaker.

In the vote, eight Republicans opposed McCarthy, while Democrats did not support his continuation as Speaker.

Democratic Congressman Ilhan Omar, who also voted against McCarthy, said the outgoing speaker had targeted women’s ability to make decisions about their bodies.

She accused him of covering up a criminal conspiracy by Donald Trump and posing a threat to democracy.

In February, House Republicans had voted to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee because of her past controversial comments about Israel and concerns about her objectivity.

McCarthy’s removal has left the House of Representatives in a state of uncertainty, with bills, including major spending bills, awaiting action.

Republican Representative Patrick McHenry has been appointed acting Speaker for the time being and will hold that position for up to three legislative sessions.

Right-wing conservatives’ dissatisfaction with McCarthy’s perceived compromise with Democrats and his failure to push through substantial spending cuts were major factors in his ouster.

The two major parties are now privately discussing their future political and legislative course of action.

While Democrats appear to have pooled their support for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker of the House, Republicans face internal divisions that could make their choice less easy.