Matt Gaetz Demands Answers from Architect of the Capitol on McCarthy Occupying Speaker of the House Office

January 3, 2023

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) issued a letter tonight to the Architect of the Capitol questioning Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (CA-20) current occupation of the Office of Speaker of the House after being soundly rejected in three consecutive ballots.

Text of the full letter sent to the Architect of the Capitol can be found HERE and below:

LETTER TEXT

The Honorable J. Brett Blanton

12th Architect of the Capitol

Architect of the Capitol

U.S. Capitol Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Blanton,

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.

Sincerely,

Matt Gaetz

Member of Congress

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