Republican colleagues of Rep. Matt Gaetz are seeking to expel him from office as the outspoken Florida lawmaker spearheads an effort to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Gaetz has pledged to file a motion to vacate the speakership of Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California.
I will file a motion to vacate against @SpeakerMcCarthy this week. pic.twitter.com/kFA7X7P2OG
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 1, 2023
Long frustrated with Gaetz, who has consistently criticized GOP leadership and undermined his own party, some Republicans are eager to expel him if the House Ethics Committee, currently investigating him, finds evidence of wrongdoing, according to a report by Fox News on Sunday.
“No one can stand him at this point. A smart guy without morals,” one lawmaker told the outlet.
To pass a motion for expulsion, a two-thirds vote is required, which means that Democrats would need to support it, given the current makeup of the lower chamber with 221 Republicans and 212 Democrats.
Gaetz has consistently asserted his innocence in the ongoing ethics probe, which is reportedly approaching its conclusion. The investigation is focused on allegations ranging from sexual misconduct and illicit drug use to potential public corruption.
With Republicans holding only