Elected by a narrow margin last January, Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, was ousted from his position last night, following a revolt led by the right wing of his own party. This marks a first in American history.

why has Kevin McCarthy been forced out?

Plagued by internal disputes within his party, the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted from his position this Tuesday.

Following a heated exchange among conservatives in the Chamber, 216 representatives voted for his impeachment, including eight Republicans, against 210.

His successor will be chosen next week. To attain the speakership, McCarthy had to make significant concessions to about twenty Trump supporters, including allowing any representative the power to call a vote for his impeachment.

This is what conservative Republican Matt Gaetz (Florida) eventually did, criticizing McCarthy for negotiating with the Democrats a provisional budget to fund the federal administration, a move opposed by many conservatives.

Matt Gaetz Taking Charge

He also accuses McCarthy of having made a « secret deal » with President Joe Biden regarding a possible financial aid package for Ukraine, while the right wing of the Republican Party is strongly against providing additional funds to Kiev.

They believe this money should instead be used to address the migration crisis at the border between the United States and Mexico.

What is the role of the chamber of representatives?

The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. With 435 members elected for two-year terms, the House plays a crucial role in the federal legislative process. It has the responsibility of initiating bills regarding taxation and expenditures, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.

This is often where the legislative process begins, although bills can also be introduced in the Senate. The members of the House represent specific congressional districts, meaning they are supposed to represent the interests of their local voters.

The House also has specific powers not shared with the Senate, such as the power to initiate impeachment proceedings. Impeachment processes begin in the House, although the trial takes place in the Senate.

It also plays a role in presidential elections in the absence of an absolute majority in the Electoral College, with each state then having one vote.

The House of Representatives is also a venue where partisan differences are often vigorously expressed. Debates can be passionate and confrontations between parties are common.

All this happens under the direction of the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the members of the House and is traditionally the leader of the majority party.