House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) expressed his concerns with members of the House Freedom Caucus, claiming he is unclear what they want.
Members of the group have expressed interest in a government shutdown in opposition to the president's funding bill, among other controversial demands.
McCarthy exasperated with fellow Republicans on funding fight: 'I'm not quite sure what they want' https://t.co/9YFJjoJ9Y5
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 15, 2023
"Yeah, I don't understand how members, they have no complaint about the DOD bill. But they don't want to pass it, McCarthy said.
"I got a small group of members who don't want to vote for CR, don't want to vote for individual bills and don't want to vote for an Omni. I’m not quite sure what they want," he added.
Kevin McCarthy just exploded at his GOP colleagues in a profanity-laced tirade over their threats to remove him as Speaker. https://t.co/XDda1hBPQQ
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 14, 2023
“'If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file the f***ing motion,' McCarthy reportedly told his GOP colleagues who have been threatening to oust McCarthy from the speakership," media reported this week.
"Gaetz, the Republican Congressman leading the charge to remove McCarthy as Speaker responded soon after to McCarthy with his own colorful language, 'How about just move the f***ing spending bills?'”
The battle with the caucus members has continued since McCarthy's controversial return to leadership earlier this year. Members of the group opposed his nomination as speaker on multiple occasions before he was eventually approved.
The argument between fellow GOP members has led to Democrats accusing Republicans of infighting and a lack of unity.
Conservatives instead find themselves pushing to stay focused in the House to approve legislation under the current slim Republican majority, forcing McCarthy to work with caucus members.
The battle has now become frustrating for McCarthy as demands are unclear or are unrealistic in the House, leading to new tensions for conservative lawmakers.
