The remarks, confirmed to NBC News by two sources in a closed-door meeting, reflect renewed tension within the House Republican ranks as a government shutdown looms.
Frustration boiled over in a closed-door House GOP meeting Thursday morning when Speaker Kevin McCarthy all but dared his detractors to file the “motion to vacate” the speaker’s chair and try to remove him.
In the meeting, McCarthy told House Republicans, “If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file the f—ing motion,” according to two sources in the room who confirmed the comments to NBC News.
It was a nod to members including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and others who are threatening to force him out of the speakership if he doesn’t comply with their demands, like putting certain bills on the floor and not passing a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month.
This. And lets be honest, the reason these budget negotiations have become such a frequent political football is because they are must-pass.
Should the Dems hold out for a little extra? sure. get what you can. But like… they can’t afford to piss off independents with the way things are going, and we’re not so stupid as to miss that they too voted that way. or to realize that government shutdowns hurt… everyone.
Let the FC’s vote to remove McCarthy. let the world see how fucking stupid the Republicans are- and how obstructionist and unprofessional. but don’t shut down the government over it.