Republicans have not been in control of either chamber of Congress in years, so the fact that they finally managed to wrest control of the House from Democrats, albeit by a small margin, for the first time since 2018 is noteworthy.
But GOP control has gotten off to a less-than-stellar beginning, dominated by infighting and name-calling that is counterproductive and not a good look for the country.
The latest example: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who is working on rehabilitating herself after being kicked off her committees by Democrats during her freshman term, sounding off on Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a one-time ally, after he voted his conscience when it came to delaying Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s speakership.
The Daily Wire noted:
Greene’s efforts have resulted in her breaking away from the fringes of the party and becoming more of a team player, which has elevated her profile in the Republican Party.
Gaetz congratulated Greene for gaining spots on key committees after Democrats forced her off her committee assignments during her first term in Congress.
“Bravo @mtgreenee!” Gaetz tweeted. “She’s going to do amazing work for the people on these key committees she has EARNED. ‘Rep. MTG of Georgia is back on committee assignments now that Republicans have retaken the House and the Rep. Gaetz-led revolt has put some steel in McCarthy’s spine.’”
Bravo @mtgreenee!
She’s going to do amazing work for the people on these key committees she has EARNED.
“Rep. MTG of Gerogia is back on committee assignments now that Republicans have retaken the House and the Rep. Gaetz-led revolt has put some steel in McCarthy’s spine.” https://t.co/ectjzpIbq3
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 18, 2023
But she responded: “Thanks to @SpeakerMcCarthy & Steering for voting me on the committees I requested on the submission form most of us filled out. Too bad we’re weeks behind after you spent a week only getting MTV from 5 to 1. As the leading MAGA voice in Congress, I look forward to committees.”
Thanks to @SpeakerMcCarthy & Steering for voting me on the committees I requested on the submission form most of us filled out.
Too bad we’re weeks behind after you spent a week only getting MTV from 5 to 1.
As the leading MAGA voice in Congress, I look forward to committees. https://t.co/2dOYSPu2NK
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 18, 2023
‘MTV’ stands for “motion to vacate.” Previously, multiple members of Congress were needed to bring a motion to a vote on the floor to oust the sitting Speaker of the House. Now, however, it will only take a single member. Per NBC News, “The threshold for bringing a motion to vacate stayed at just a single member of Congress until 2019 when Democrats took the majority,” and raised the threshold.
Gaetz appeared to be taken aback by Greene’s response.
“Well, we got a few other things but I’m thrilled the MTV is back to the pre-Pelosi standard. Totally worth it! We the People will be in better hands with MTG holding the corrupt Biden Admin accountable via committee service,” he said. “I’m so here for it.”
That led her to respond: “The rules package did not change at all from Jan 1st to Jan 6th, except MTV went from 5 to 1. Literally anyone can read them online and see that. All substantial negotiations happened in conference & 5 families meetings before the 15 ballots starting on Jan 3rd.”
The rules package did not change at all from Jan 1st to Jan 6th, except MTV went from 5 to 1.
Literally anyone can read them online and see that.
All substantial negotiations happened in conference & 5 families meetings before the 15 ballots starting on Jan 3rd.— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 18, 2023
