Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) penned a letter to the architect of the U.S. Capitol wondering why Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is occupying the speaker’s office after he lost three votes for the position.
“I write to inform you that the Speaker of the House Office located in the U.S. Capitol Building is currently occupied by Rep. Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz wrote.
“As of this morning, the 117th Congress adjourned sine die, and a Speaker from the 118th Congress has not been elected,” he continued. “After three undeciding votes, no member can lay claim to this office.”
Gaetz added: “What is the basis in law, House rule or precedent to allow someone who has placed second in three successive speaker elections to occupy the Speaker of the House office? How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?”
The Speaker of the House Office in the Capitol is currently being occupied by Kevin McCarthy.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 4, 2023
Kevin McCarthy is not the Speaker of the House. He lost 3 consecutive votes today.
I’m demanding answers from the Architect of the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/AIZ8bFks6W
Republicans adjourned for the day on Tuesday after McCarthy lost three consecutive votes for the speakership. The opposition to the California Republican grew by the third vote, with Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida joining the anti-McCarthy group.
Several of Gaetz's colleagues have been critical of his opposition to McCarthy, including Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who said the tactic will "get another Pelosi elected Speaker."
.@mattgaetz full ego was on display today. He’s going to screw around and get another Pelosi elected Speaker. I’ll have a lot more to say about this political D-Lister tomorrow.
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) January 4, 2023