Amid House speaker drama, many in GOP want to do away with motion to vacate
The race is on to elect a new House speaker showdown following the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday.
Two Republicans have officially thrown their hats into the ring ahead of the party hoping to choose a new leader next week.
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Republican senators share their outrage at McCarthy's removal
Senate Republicans are overwhelmingly admonishing their House colleagues for allowing McCarthy's speakership to be vacated, calling it a "sad day."
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said ousting McCarthy was a "disgraceful" move by a small group of House conservatives.
"These insurgents have no plan," Cornyn said. "And now they've created even more chaos and it's not good for the House, it's not good for Republicans," he said.
A visibly miffed Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi agreed: "It stinks, and it's bad for the country."
Republicans are the minority party in the Senate. With a much more favorable map on the horizon in 2024, some now worry the dysfunction in the House will be a distraction for voters.
-ABC News' Allison Pecorin
Biden not reacting to McCarthy's ouster
The White House confirmed late Tuesday afternoon that President Joe Biden saw the developments in the House, but the administration is declining to weigh in on congressional politics.
Instead, aides said Biden is focused on governing and they pointed to the announcement earlier Tuesday on drugmakers agreeing to take part in Medicare negotiations.
-ABC News' Justin Gomez
McCarthy silent leaving House chamber, currently meeting with leadership
McCarthy exited the chamber declining to comment after the House voted to remove him.
Several members in GOP leadership are currently meeting inside McCarthy's office. Republicans are slated to gather behind closed doors on Tuesday evening for a conference meeting.
McCarthy shook his head slightly when the presiding officer slammed the gavel after the roll call vote.
Gaetz speaks after victory
Gaetz spoke to reporters outside the Capitol just moments after his motion to vacate succeeded.
"The stages of grief are in progress," he said.
The Florida Republican floated names for who could become the next speaker. On his list were House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern.
Gaetz said he will "absolutely not" put himself forward for speakership.
The Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy
Eight Republicans voted to take away McCarthy's gavel.
In addition to Gaetz, who introduced the motion to vacate, the following Republicans voted to oust McCarthy: Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ken Buck of Colorado, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Eli Crane of Arizona, Bob Good of Virginia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Matt Rosendale of Arizona.
Every Democrat present also supported the motion to vacate.