Rep. Panetta’s Statement on the Resolution to Vacate the Office of the Speaker
Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on the vote in favor of a Resolution to Vacate the Office of the Speaker and remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position:
“Today is not just a sobering day for me as a U.S. Representative, it is also a very sad day for the U.S. Congress and a somber day for the United States of America. I came into this office with a firm belief and a clear-eyed view of what this job entails, including service to my constituents and a willingness to work with anybody to get things done for the 19th Congressional District of California. As made clear by the events of the past few weeks, including today, there is a small contingent of ultra-right-wing extremists in the Republican Party in Congress who have absolutely no concept of what it means to govern.
“Their unwillingness to compromise and their unreasonable demands of Speaker Kevin McCarthy almost caused the federal government to shut down, and now, has brought the work of the House of Representatives to a halt. By introducing and passing the resolution to vacate the Office of the Speaker, the ultra-right-wing extremists are demonstrating the division and dysfunction within the Republican majority in Congress. Although the outcome of today’s historic vote was disconcerting and unsatisfying, I am proud of the Democratic party’s unity during the vote as well as our efforts, albeit rebuffed, to reach out and work with Speaker McCarthy to negotiate a potential deal prior to the vote.
“As the majority party continues to deal with their divisions and figure out who they want to lead their very slim and divided majority, they also must come to the realization that there are members on both sides of the aisle that are ready and willing to negotiate and want to get back to work. Whoever they decide to choose for Speaker and lead the majority party, it must be done quickly so that we in Congress can continue to govern.”
On Tuesday, the Republican-led House voted 216-210 to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House. This is the first time in history a resolution has removed a Speaker of the House from their position. Following this vote, Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10) was designated as speaker pro-tempore and called the chamber into recess until Tuesday, October 10th. The House will need to vote on the election of a new Speaker. Until then, all rules of the House remain in place.
###