House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced a historic removal as the leader of the chamber in a showdown with a breakaway faction of his own party, signaling upcoming chaos on Capitol Hill
Hard-line Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz led the charge against McCarthy, introducing a motion to vacate and criticizing McCarthy's handling of spending and budget fights.
McCarthy defended his record, including averting a federal government shutdown, but eight GOP members, along with Democrats, voted to remove him, making it a historic first.
An interim speaker pro tempore was named, but a permanent replacement requires an internal election, leaving Congress in uncharted territory.
McCarthy informed fellow Republicans in a closed-door meeting that he will not run again for the speakership.
The removal of McCarthy was a culmination of factors, including debt and spending agreements, side deals to secure his speakership, and the political climate in Congress.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed hope that traditional Republicans would move away from extremism and partner for the country's good.
President Biden's press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, called for the quick election of a new Speaker and expressed a desire to work together.
Rep. Patrick McHenry was named as speaker pro tempore, a role that allows someone to preside over the House when the Speaker is unable to do so.
The position of speaker pro tempore was created for continuity of government, and for now, Republicans are operating with the belief that the House can function without an elected Speaker.