Gaetz on failed Mayorkas impeachment vote: ‘Never missed George Santos more’

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) joined former Rep. George Santos in the wake of House Republicans’ failed attempt to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, joined by three other Republicans. Congressman (New York), he said, “I never missed it.” Democrats opposed the bill, a stunning defeat for the party.

Gaetz, who was one of 112 Republicans who voted against expelling the embattled lawmaker from the House in December, spoke during an appearance on Newsmax’s “The Balance.” , suggested that Santos’ vote may have given the party enough votes to shore up its already slim majority.

“When I looked at the board and it was 215-215, I’ve never missed George Santos more than I did,” Gates told Eric Bolling.

The final vote was 214-216, with Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) unexpectedly not showing up wearing hospital scrubs and socks. According to NBC, voted against impeachment. Two Republican defections were expected, but a third surprise “no” vote was cast by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).

The fourth surprise Republican to vote against impeachment was Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), vice chair of the Republican conference, who reversed his vote seconds before the vote closed. The procedural move would allow the conference to return the bill to the floor at a later date.

Despite spearheading the effort to oust him from office, the Florida congressman also highlighted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)’s absence, making it unlikely that his vote would influence the final tally. hinted that it may have been.

“I wondered, too, if Kevin McCarthy was still in the House. I didn’t think he would listen to me,” Gaetz said.

“Kevin McCarthy went home with his marbles after he was kicked out of his speakership,” Gaetz added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans aim to bring the bill back to the floor when House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is present.