**House conservatives stage remarkable revolt against Speaker Kevin McCarthy, derailing key legislation and signaling discontent with their own leadership. A conservative revolution may be brewing, but its full consequences are yet to be seen.**
House conservatives, outraged over Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s handling of the debt ceiling bill, instigated an extraordinary rebellion on the House floor Tuesday. This move not only took House Republican leadership by surprise but also derailed a key leadership priority, as the House was set to vote on legislation to bar a potential Biden administration ban on gas stoves.
The last time the House defeated a procedural rule for legislation debate was in 2002, according to the Congressional Research Center. Along with their dissatisfaction over the debt ceiling bill capitulation, conservatives were angered by alleged retaliation against a Georgia congressman for his opposition – Representative Andrew Clyde claimed that his bill to block a ban on pistol braces would be undermined if he voted against the debt ceiling bill (which he eventually did).
Many conservatives noted that this possibility of retaliation was the driving force behind their rebellion. The unprecedented uprising brings into question whether there might be a motion to “vacate the chair” and force a vote to remove McCarthy as Speaker. However, for now, members seem hesitant to use this nuclear option.
Representative Dan Bishop (R-NC), who first indicated his willingness to remove McCarthy, told reporters that “no decision has been made.” Instead, he believes that today’s rebellion will compel McCarthy to capitulate, as the majority cannot function without unity.
Clyde, despite being threatened by leadership, remains reluctant to remove McCarthy. He feels that internal issues within the Republican conference should be resolved before considering a motion to vacate.
**As conservatives rock the boat with this bold act of defiance, it remains to be seen whether McCarthy can hold onto his position as Speaker or if a conservative revolt will fully manifest. Unity within the Republican party is now more uncertain than ever.
