GOP Rep Calls for McCarthy to Be Made Speaker Again Amid War in Israel

A Republican lawmaker is arguing the fighting in Israel following Hamas’ surprise attack is cause for former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to get his job back. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends” Monday…

Bradley CortrightOct 9, 20232 min read

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Co-host Steve Doocey noted the House cannot do anything until a speaker is elected, including passing an aide package for Israel as it responds to Hamas’ aggression.

Duarte responded, “They’re going to run out of ordnance and we’re not going to be able to authorize the funding to get them the weapons and the defense they need. We have one of our strongest allies in the world under attack, and we are dilly-dallying around with a leadership struggle in the House that should never have occurred. Kevin McCarthy should never have been ousted.”

He reiterated his call for Democrats to “take a walk” to lower the threshold necessary to become speaker so moderate Republicans could overcome intraparty objections to McCarthy.

Duarte’s comments come nearly a week after the House took the historic step of voting to oust a speaker.

Politico notes there are concerns the House may not be able to choose a new speaker by the end of the week. There are questions about whether Acting Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) has the authority to move legislation or resolutions to express support for Israel, or provide support, in the event the speaker’s vote drags on.