WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida expressed remorse for the absence of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a crucial impeachment vote against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, according to a report by Newsweek published on Wednesday.
Gaetz aired his sentiments during an appearance on Newsmax’s The Balance on Tuesday night, noting the significance of McCarthy’s vote, particularly as several fellow Republicans defected from their party.
“It would have been nice to still have Kevin McCarthy in the House of Representatives. Never thought you’d hear me say that,” Gaetz confessed to host Eric Bolling during the interview.
This statement from Gaetz is notable given his pivotal role in McCarthy’s ouster as House speaker just months earlier.
McCarthy, a Republican from California, resigned from Congress shortly after relinquishing his leadership role, with a special election scheduled to fill his seat on March 19.
Reflecting on McCarthy’s departure, Gaetz highlighted the potential impact of his absence on the impeachment trial, lamenting that McCarthy could have provided a crucial vote had he remained.
Gaetz attributed the failed impeachment effort to McCarthy’s departure, as well as the expulsion of Representative George Santos and what Gaetz described as “abject selfishness.”
Gaetz also expressed disappointment at Santos’ absence, stating, “I never missed George Santos more” during the recent vote.
He criticized New York Republicans for driving Santos out of Congress, suggesting that their actions hindered the opportunity to impeach Mayorkas.
Gaetz underscored the irony of the situation, pointing to the displacement of children from schools to accommodate migrant housing centers.
The three Republican representatives who faced criticism for their negative votes on the impeachment charges were Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, and Tom McClintock of California.
Buck and McClintock raised concerns about the charges against Mayorkas, warning of the potential precedent it could set for future Republican administrations facing scrutiny from Democrats.
Despite Gaetz’s vocal frustration, the failed impeachment vote against Mayorkas underscores deep divisions within the Republican Party.
The differing opinions among its members not only influenced the outcome but also highlighted the intricate dynamics within the political landscape.
As the country awaits the special election to fill McCarthy’s vacant seat, the repercussions of this unsuccessful impeachment attempt may continue to reverberate throughout the Republican Party.
