Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has suggested that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) could face expulsion from Congress, as reported by the New York Post. McCarthy made this remark during an appearance on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures” over the weekend.
“I think once that Ethics complaint comes forward, he could have the same problem as Santos has,” McCarthy said.
He added, “I think the conference would be probably better united to be able to move forward and get this all done.”
McCarthy is pointing to Rep. George Santos (R-NY) in this context, and as was previously reported, there is an ongoing effort to expel Santos from Congress.
A House Ethics Committee investigation into Santos revealed “substantial evidence” of his “violation of federal criminal laws.”
At the same time, Gaetz is undergoing his own review by the House Ethics Committee.
The ethics complaint includes allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct, among other issues.
Gaetz maintains his innocence, stating just last month:
“I am the most investigated man in the United States Congress.
“It seems that the Ethics Committee’s interest in me waxes and wanes based on my relationship with the speaker.”
The reference made by the Florida congressman was aimed at McCarthy.
Gaetz played a significant role in the House’s decision to oust McCarthy from the speakership position.
He also opposed McCarthy during his initial bid for speaker earlier this year.
There is a noticeable strain in the relationship between these two individuals.
McCarthy has faced challenges of his own in recent times.
Gaetz filed an ethics complaint against McCarthy following allegations that McCarthy had elbowed U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN).
“He just elbowed me in the kidneys,” Burchett said.
“It was deliberate. It was just a cheap shot.”
Since then, former Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) has also claimed that McCarthy physically confronted him, as reported by Slay News.
Kinzinger specifically contends that McCarthy gave him a “shoulder check” on at least two occasions.
Making the claim on social media, Kinzinger conveniently mentioned that the allegation is detailed in his book.
McCarthy has denied any intentional action against Burchett.
He reiterated his denial of the Burchett accusation during his appearance on Fox News on Sunday.
“If anybody got bumped, it was not intentional,” McCarthy said.
“It’s just a crowded hallway, where everybody’s walking out at one time.
“If somebody got bumped because of a narrow hallway, it happens all the time.
“It was not intentional.
“I know no one got punched in the process.”
