PlusPolitics & Government

A Short History of ‘Turbulence’ in the House of Representatives

by Fred Beuttler

The latest drama in the House is certainly unusual, but the institution is not entirely unaccustomed to chaos.

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Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), at left, the top contender in the race to be the next Speaker of the House, confers with former Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) during the first round of voting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., October 17, 2023.

Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

For the first time in American history, a speaker of the House has been removed from office.

Just days prior to that historic event, a government shutdown was temporarily averted by the passage of a bipartisan continuing resolution that funds the federal government through November 17. All but one Democrat joined some Republicans in passing the CR, with a majority of Republicans opposed. Then on Tuesday, October 3, Representative Matt Gaetz made a privileged Motion to Vacate the Chair, which passed 216–210, with eight Republicans joined by all Democrats.

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About the Author

Fred Beuttler

Fred Beuttler was the former deputy historian of the House of Representatives from 2005–2010 and was an associate dean at the University of Chicago’s Graham School. He is a faculty partner with the Jack Miller Center.

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