McCarthy Ouster Means More Turmoil as Next Shutdown Fight Looms

Removal of speaker highlights Republican hardliners’ power
House leaderless ahead of crucial votes on budget, Ukraine aid

Republican Kevin McCarthy was toppled Tuesday as US House speaker by dissidents within his own party, ending his tumultuous nine months in the job and sending a fractious Congress into further disarray. Source: Bloomberg

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By Billy House, Erik Wasson, and Mackenzie Hawkins

October 4, 2023 at 12:19 AM UTC

Updated on

October 4, 2023 at 1:38 AM UTC

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Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as US House speaker plunged Congress into an internal power struggle as it faces key deadlines on avoiding a government shutdown and approving aid for Ukraine — all as the country hurtles toward a presidential election.

McCarthy lost his leadership post after hardliners in his own party revolted over his compromise with Democrats to avert a government shutdown last weekend. He said he won’t run again for speaker and hasn’t thought about resigning from Congress.