Larson Statement on House Vote to Vacate the Chair

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the House vote to vacate the chair, which could remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position. The House is now faced with electing a permanent Speaker for the 118th Congress, as the chair is now vacated and temporarily filled with Speaker pro tempore Patrick McHenry of North Carolina. 

“This is a sad day for the institution of the United States Congress,” said Larson. “The last time a motion to vacate was made was 113 years ago, but that vote failed, showing the severity of the split within the Republican Conference today. Only Republicans spoke on the floor as we considered this motion, which further underscores the turmoil they face. Kevin McCarthy’s inability to keep his word with Republican members, with the President, and with Democrats, was of his own doing. Hopefully they have learned that shutting down the government and cutting vital programs for the American people like Social Security is not the direction the nation needs to go in. Democrats remain united behind Hakeem Jeffries and our agenda to solve the everyday issues facing Americans: putting people back to work, lowering costs for families, expanding Social Security, and protecting women’s reproductive rights.”