In a letter to the Architect of the Capitol, Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz accuses Representative Kevin McCarthy of squatting after moving into the Speaker’s office without having won the vote.
McCarthy has lost 5 straight ballots for the leadership position.
Gaetz writes:
I write to inform you that the Speaker of the House Office located in the U.S. Capitol Building is currently occupied by Rep. Kevin McCarthy. As of this morning, the 117th Congress adjourned sine die, and a Speaker from the 118th Congress has not been elected. After three undeciding votes, no member can lay claim to this office.
What is the basis in law, House rule, or precedent to allow someone who has placed second in three successive speaker elections to occupy the Speaker of the House Office? How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?
Please write back promptly as it seems Mr. McCarthy can no longer be considered Speaker-Designate following today’s balloting.