Kevin McCarthy became speaker of the 118th Congress on January 7th, 2023, after 15 ballots were casted and received the majority of the support by his fellow Congress members. Throughout his tenure, some were opposed to his proposals, including the bill to fund the government for approximately 44 days and resulting in the file for motion by Congressman Matt Gaetz to remove Speaker McCarthy.
This was a monumental moment as this was the first time Congress successfully removed their house speaker in opposition to his leadership. Matt Gaetz believed McCarthy made a deal with Democrats in regards to the bill to avoid the government shutdown. Without a speaker, Congress can’t move forward into passing new bills/aid, including emergency aid for the Israel-Palestine war and Ukraine war. So far, two high-profile candidates have risen to the stage to earn the speaker’s gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who has since dropped out of the race after not earning the necessary votes in the first ballot casted. Currently, the GOP have nominated Jim Jordan, Representative from Ohio. But after 3 ballots were hosted by the House of Representatives, the Republicans have chosen to drop Jordan’s race to earn the speaker’s gavel.
We decided to ask some of our history teachers to express what they feel about the situation that has unfolded. Mr. Broun, AP US History and World History/Geography teacher, expressed how he was surprised but sensed Speaker McCarthy’s ousting was a possibility since the moment he took over as speaker back earlier this year. When asked about whether McCarthy’s removal opens the door for future ousts, Mr. Broun reiterated how the U.S. has a role in precedent, the court system establishing one and now Congress has done the same. Further, he stated it’s safe to say this will not be the only oust that will occur in our lifetime, even if Congress decides to change the rules.
Mr. Nevarez, AP American Government teacher, states future ousting is unlikely to occur but presents a bad precedent that a small group in Congress removed Former Speaker McCarthy and created the upheaval the House is witnessing. A lesson that can be learned is a speaker should be careful with “what they wish for, because they might just get it,” stated Mr. Nevarez. Mr. Nevarez emphasized the division of power between the Republicans and Democrats, and our country is very polarized. Tensions are spiraling in all directions and the House needs to run smoothly, with a proper agenda formulated by the Speaker to pass bills and get them signed by the President. However, he reiterated this division is not new and can be traced back to when Pelosi was House Speaker. Many young democrats wanted change quickly while the republicans formed a tea party movement, demanding less spending. Now, this division may result in backlash in the upcoming elections and some may feel the GOP is too dysfunctional, siding with Democrats.
Although our Congress remains divided as of now, one thing is certain, we need to elect a speaker soon. Congress can’t remain still without passing any sort of legislation. The country depends on them to ensure the people get the services they deserve. The world is viewing how our country has continued to face divisions even when it comes to helping out our allies around the world. We need to avoid this division and come together as one to pass legislation and help out those who need our help, the ones who depend on us to represent them. People have their different political beliefs and though we may sometimes disagree with certain perspectives on topics, when it comes to the American people and the world, those differences should be put aside and focus on passing legislation, with a House Speaker that everyone is on board with running the House of Representatives.
