WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) voted “yes” on the Republican Motion to Vacate the Chair, removing Congressman Kevin McCarthy from Speaker of the House. She released the following statement:
“Today is a somber day for our institution. Mr. McCarthy has proven that he cannot lead, cannot govern.
In order to get power, Mr. McCarthy empowered the extremists in his conference. House Republicans are now in turmoil—choosing politics over the American people.
We were on the brink of a government shutdown, with another deadline looming; we were on the brink of a debt ceiling crisis; we have been at a standstill for substantive legislation for months. This is a direct reflection of the Speaker’s failed leadership.
It is clear that he does not have the full trust of House Republicans—and he has proven to House Democrats that he cannot be trusted.
So, I voted “yes” on the Motion to Vacate the Chair.
I did not come to this decision lightly, but our work for the American people demands an effective leader. I hope we can move forward with a renewed spirit of governance and bipartisanship to best serve our communities. I hope House Republicans will elect a new leader who can best serve the serious and solemn role of Speaker of the House.
May our guideposts be integrity and truth.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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