Southern Illinois congressman lashes out at GOP colleague before 12th vote for House speaker

In the frustration leading up to the eventual election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, Illinois Congressman Mike Bost attempted to shout down Republican colleague Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.

McCarthy, of California, was voted into the seat on the 15th vote in the early morning hours Saturday, but not without drama and anger between disagreeing GOP representatives was captured by CSPAN’s live coverage.

Gaetz, one of the far-right holdouts who had blocked McCarthy’s election as speaker, took the floor ahead of the 12th vote Friday morning to nominate Jim Jordan for the position, using the platform blast McCarthy’s credentials and the majority Republicans who backed him.

“You only earn the position of Speaker of the House if you can get the votes. Mr. McCarthy doesn’t have the votes today. He will not have the votes tomorrow, and he will not have the votes next week, next month, next year,” Gaetz argued.

That’s when Bost, who supported McCarthy through all 13 votes, stood and began shouting at Gaetz.

“This is not going to bring anyone ...” Bost could be heard yelling on video captured live by CSPAN and posted across social media.

Bost continued yelling inaudibly as others in the chamber shouted “order!” and House Clerk Cheryl Johnson banged her gavel.

“The gentleman has not been recognized ...” she said. “Members are reminded not to engage in personalities against other members of the House.”

Bost sat down, crossing his legs and leaning forward slightly as Gaetz continued to speak. Gaetz did not address Bost.

Bost, a Republican from Murphysboro, represents the 12th Congressional District that encompasses the southern third of Illinois, including much of the metro-east.

McCarthy’s bid fell short for the 12th time since voting began on Tuesday. Fourteen of the holdouts flipped their votes, however, leaving him just four shy of the 218 necessary to become speaker. After a lengthy recess, and with Gaetz voting “present,” McCarthy was finally elected after midnight.

Among the far-right Freedom Caucus members to flip was Rep. Mary Miller, whose 15th Congressional District adjoins Bost’s territory to the north.

This story was originally published January 6, 2023 at 3:03 PM.