US debt: Chamber approves project and suspends cap for two years
The US deputies voted this Tuesday (3) for the first time in modern history to oust the President of the House of Representatives.
Kevin McCarthy, the President of the House of Representatives, belongs to the Republican Party, the rightwing party in the USA. The Republicans dominate the Chamber of Deputies, although with a very small majority.
Considered a moderate Republican, he faced a rebellion from a group of farright lawmakers within the Republican Party.
Eight Republicans voted to unseat McCarthy. Because of her vote, the MP lost the office of president.
The main conflicts between the extremists and McCarthy centered on budgetary issues.
The reason for the latest disagreement was the discussion about the US government’s debt limit.
The White House must raise the debt limit. If this does not happen, in practice the state will not be able to make payments.
McCarthy and Democratic lawmakers agreed to keep the government functioning for another 45 days. The extremists didn’t like this and decided to take action.
1 of 1 Matt Gaetz, Republican Party Representative, on October 3, 2023 Photo: Reproduction/Portal Matt Gaetz, Republican Party Representative, on October 3, 2023 Photo: Reproduction/Portal
Matt Gaetz was the congressman who filed the lawsuit to remove McCarthy as president.
He is a Republican from the state of Florida and is considered a loyal politician to former President Donald Trump.
Gaetz faces two House investigations, one for inappropriate sexual conduct and another for problems with the use of money.
The House investigation has been ongoing since 2021. There are allegations that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior, used illegal drugs, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, used campaign funds for personal expenses and accepted gifts that did not comply with rules.
The court has already acquitted him of some of these allegations. He believed that the House investigation continued only because of McCarthy.
“My Christian faith was mocked”
In addition to Gaetz, the following Republican representatives voted for McCarthy’s removal:
- Eli Crane,
- Ken Buck,
- Andy Biggs,
- Matt Rosendale,
- BobGood,
- Nancy Mace,
- Tim Burchett
Tim Burchett told CNN that McCarthy made fun of his Christian faith. He did not say what the mockery was about, but said it was the reason for his vote against the former chamber president.
Nancy Mace stated that she voted against her own party because it supports fiscal restraints. She said McCarthy also promised to improve women’s access to contraceptive methods, but this had not happened in practice.