Gaetz Indicates He Will Trigger 'Motion To Vacate The Chair' Later This Week

Conservative GOP Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL), speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, has indicated his intention to trigger a 'motion to vacate the chair,' "later this week" in a bid to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), adding "watch this space." Livestream of House floor proceedings: https://live.house.gov/

• Gaetz says his rationale for triggering the motion to vacate the chair is a "secret side deal on Ukraine" which McCarthy allegedly struck with President Biden ahead of passage of a bipartisan Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded.
• CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez wrote on social media yesterday: “When asked if he could trust Speaker Kevin McCarthy on a deal, Biden replied, “We just made one about Ukraine. So we'll find out.”
• Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman writes: "McCarthy said this morning he had not spoken to Biden."
• Should Gaetz trigger the motion to vacate, McCarthy will likely be forced to lean on Democrat votes to retain his job. Considering a recent move to open an impeachment inquiry in President Biden and perceived reneging on the agreed topline spending levels in FY24 appropriations bills it is difficult to see Democrats supporting McCarthy without major concessions. Likely on Ukraine and committee representation.
• Such an arrangement would be highly unstable and certainly lead to greater instability in the House.