Rogers, McConnell respond to McCarthy ousting

Oct. 4—Kentucky Representative Hal Rogers made it known that he was not in favor of removing fellow Congressman Kevin McCarthy from his role as Speaker of the House.

Rogers' remarks after the historic vote against McCarthy were scathing against those who approved McCarthy's ousting.

"The House made a monumental mistake by ousting Speaker McCarthy. He showed immense courage and leadership by negotiating a deal to avoid a government shutdown, even at the risk of losing his gavel," Rogers said in a statement Tuesday. "I am grateful for Speaker McCarthy's service, and I pray this chamber will select a new leader quickly, so we can get back to work for the American people without reckless targets on the leaders selected by this governing body."

As Dean of the House, Rogers was responsible for swearing in McCarthy when he stepped into the role in January.

The vote to install McCarthy in as speaker, which requires a 218-majority in the House, took 15 attempts.

He was voted out on Tuesday, the first time in U.S. history such an action has taken place.

The vote was led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, called by the Associated Press a "political rival," who pushed a "motion to vacate" vote onto the afternoon agenda.

Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting to vacate the position, ending in a 216-210 vote.

Kentucky Senator and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell offered words of praise towards McCarthy, saying, "Speaker McCarthy has my sincere thanks for his service to our nation in what is often a thankless role. The Speaker's tenure was bookended by historic fights, but as he reminded his colleagues when he took the gavel, 'Our nation is worth fighting for.'"

During a speech McConnell made on the Senate floor Wednesday, McConnell added, "Shepherding an institution like the House of Representatives — every bit as stubborn and diverse as the nation it represents — is a tall order. Getting a slim majority pointed in the same direction at any one time can seem like nothing short of a miracle.

"...Perhaps the most telling thing about this week's events in the House has been the way the Speaker handled them — with grace and with gratitude. Speaker McCarthy should be proud of what he and his team have accomplished on behalf of the American people over the past nine months."

Rep Patrick McHenry of North Carolina was named speaker pro tem. The House then went into recess until next Tuesday, when a speaker candidate forum is set to take place.

McCarthy has reportedly said he will not run for the position again.

According to the Associated Press, McCarthy told reporters at a press conference, "I may have lost this vote today, but as I walk out of this chamber I feel fortunate to have served."

The AP stated that his removal was a punishment fueled by growing grievances but sparked by his weekend decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown.

Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com