Jason Smith discusses Kevin McCarthy's ouster

Southeast Missouri congressman Jason Smith, an ally of Kevin McCarthy, did not mince words Tuesday, Oct. 3, following the ouster of the California Republican as speaker of the House.

In a lengthy statement released by the House Ways and Means Committee, of which the Salem, Missouri, representative is chairman, Smith decried the 216-210 removal vote in Congress' lower chamber, formally known as a motion to vacate.

"Today, House Democrats, in collusion with eight Republicans, pushed to oust a Republican Speaker of the House who won a conference election to be the Republican nominee for speaker and has overwhelming support among his Republican colleagues and a record of delivering for the American people," Smith wrote.

"This decision is particularly abhorrent given the conservative victories that have been achieved this year under Speaker McCarthy, including the largest spending cut in the history of our nation alongside the biggest reforms to America's welfare system in two decades signed into law.

"Make no mistake: this needless and selfish action will stall and set back efforts to hold President Biden accountable for his involvement in his family's business dealings; to cut spending; or to deliver for working class Americans. In fact, today's actions actually empower those who want to increase spending and those who want to give a blank check to Ukraine.

"It is irrational that any House Republican would vote to push out Speaker McCarthy, who has done more than any Speaker of the House, Republican or Democrat, to give each and every (House) member a voice at the table. Speaker McCarthy has led the House in achieving critical victories on behalf of the American people by empowering committees to do the legislative and oversight work that is needed and by listening to all members about their concerns and priorities."

Smith, 43, became Ways and Means chairman Jan. 9 and has represented 28 southern and Southeast Missouri counties in the state's 8th House district since 2013.