# The Impending Attempt to Oust Speaker McCarthy {10/1/2023}; Patrick McHenry is now Speaker Pro Tempore {2023-10-03} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 1, 2023, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958 "2023-10-01T15:58:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/141 "2023-10-03T17:34:43Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > So it’s not really clear, but I cautiously predict the votes will be like this: > > 1. MOTION TO TABLE THE MOTION (the “Shut the fuck up, Gaetz” motion): Dems will vote nay. > 2. MOTION TO OUST THE SPEAKER (the “Fuck you too, McCarthy” motion): Dems will vote aye. > 3. MOTION TO ELECT A NEW SPEAKER (the “Didn’t we just do this, you morons?” motion): Dems will vote Jeffries. Just to follow up, an update from WaPo confirms the first two parts: > [@](#): > > Rep. Katherine M. Clark (D-Mass.), the No. 2 Democrat in the House, has sent out official guidance to her caucus, echoing Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s earlier remarks to vote against delaying the motion to vacate and also to vote to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). > > She said if there are further votes Tuesday on House leadership, additional guidance will be sent to Democratic lawmakers. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/142 "2023-10-03T17:38:30Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > “Shut the fuck up, Gaetz” motion): Dems will vote nay. This will probably be the hardest vote for many Dems. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/143 "2023-10-03T17:40:59Z")
I get confused about “tabling” something, because it means exactly opposite things on different sides of the Atlantic (I’m on the US side). In this case, it means set the motion aside, right? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/144 "2023-10-03T17:43:34Z")
Yup. It’s a parliamentary move to keep a motion from being voted on. IMO it’s a bullshit move to keep elected officials from having to go on the record, but maybe I’m missing something. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/145 "2023-10-03T17:51:36Z")
Yes, in Canada, when something is tabled in the House, that means for immediate action of some sort: set a date for debate or a vote on it. Our equivalent to “table” in the US sense is the 6 months hoist: “that this bill be considered six months from now” i.e. never. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/146 "2023-10-03T17:53:18Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > IMO it’s a bullshit move to keep elected officials from having to go on the record, but maybe I’m missing something. I think in this context it’s more a case of “you can’t be serious; g’way kid, you bother me.” But the vote to table is still on record, I would assume. In such a closely divided House, it couldn’t be done on a voice vote alone. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/147 "2023-10-03T17:56:35Z")
First go round some were suggesting someone from the so called Problem Solvers Caucus could get enough Ds and Rs to win. If McCarthy is tossed it could be very interesting. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/148 "2023-10-03T18:01:57Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > some were suggesting someone from the so called Problem Solvers Caucus It’s Problem Solvers, not Miracle Workers, but hey… ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/149 "2023-10-03T18:09:10Z")
Ah yes, the problem solver caucus, featuring the Sham-Wow guy and the late Billy Mays. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/150 "2023-10-03T18:11:07Z")
dem.s are slowing things down. using various voting means to slow roll the vote. the first was paper and now roll call vote. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/151 "2023-10-03T18:12:15Z")
Well I had started the first thread after the election wondering if the FC was capable of holding their breath until the Speaker turned Blue. McCarthy not getting in in the first vote was widely scoffed. And while I don’t see Jeffries as Speaker it may need to be a bipartisanally acceptable choice, and the means that caucus being in the thick of it. Otherwise the ?back up Speaker? just keeps things running? ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/152 "2023-10-03T18:20:14Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I get confused about “tabling” something, because it means exactly opposite things on different sides of the Atlantic (I’m on the US side). In this case, it means set the motion aside, right? Well, yes and no. To table a motion means to set aside temporarily to address a pressing matter. It is only in the US House of Representatives that it is really a Motion to Postpose Indefinitely viz. kill a motion. As an aside, many organization in the US use the Motion to Table incorrectly when they should use Postpone to a Certain Time. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/153 "2023-10-03T18:23:10Z")
I’m assuming if the speakership is vacated, it is just like the beginning of the session where no business, other than the seating of new Representatives, is allowed. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/154 "2023-10-03T18:24:27Z")
My understanding is that there’s a line of succession, and someone else will be Speaker Pro Tempore, but the list is secret (I don’t know if the Dems know who it is). ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/155 "2023-10-03T18:32:17Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Wrong House; otherwise I would have too (also, he’s stepping down at the next election). Doesn’t matter, anyone can be elected Speaker whether they’re a member of the HoR or not. ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/156 "2023-10-03T18:37:15Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > My understanding is that there’s a line of succession, and someone else will be Speaker Pro Tempore, but the list is secret (I don’t know if the Dems know who it is). House of Representatives Rule 8(b)(3) says that when someone becomes Speaker, they submit a list of House members in the order in which they are to be considered to be Speaker pro tempore should the Speaker’s office be vacant, and they have to go by the order of that list until someone is elected either Speaker or Speaker pro tempore. I do not see any rule that requires that the list be made public. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/157 "2023-10-03T18:37:58Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > I’m assuming if the speakership is vacated, it is just like the beginning of the session where no business, other than the seating of new Representatives, is allowed. I’ve seen some articles that say committee business can continue, and House staffers be paid, because those were all set up right after McCarthy was elected, and don’t cease to operate if the chair of the House is vacant. No cite, sorry - there’s been a lot of speculation flying around. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/158 "2023-10-03T18:49:06Z")
Everyone take a pause today. Go outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Today Trump is on trial and McCarthy is fighting for his Speakership. Yes, the Republicans continue to publicly kick themselves in the nuts. It’s a good day! [/pause] ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/159 "2023-10-03T18:50:12Z")
oh good grief, now they are giving speeches. gaetz has given someone else his time, and they are clearing the well. the gentleman from va is speaking now. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958/160 "2023-10-03T18:58:10Z")
Motion to table fails, due to 11 Republican votes. I have trouble imagining any of those Republicans plan to vote in favor of McCarthy in the next stage. McCarthy continues to grin. I wonder whether he has some awful trick up his sleeve, like, his secret list of pro temp Speakers is topped by Donald Trump or something. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958.md?page=9)