Kevin McCarthy in 2016

Kevin Owen McCarthy (born January 26, 1965) is an American politician, serving as House Minority Leader in the United States House of Representatives since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he served as House Majority Leader under speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan from 2014 to 2019. He was the U.S. representative for California's 22nd congressional district from 2007 to 2013 and has served in the 23rd district since 2013 after redistricting.

Quotes

We cannot just sweep this under the rug. We need to know why it happened, who did it, and people need to be held accountable for it.

• I had it with this guy. What he did is unacceptable. Nobody can defend that, and nobody should defend it.
  • On President Donald Trump, in phone call to House Republicans {10 January 2021), as quoted in "Kevin McCarthy said in taped call that Trump's behavior was 'unacceptable' and 'nobody should defend it' after the Capitol riot: 'I've had it with this guy'" (22 April 2022)

• Let me be very clear to you and I have been very clear to the President. He bears responsibility for his words and actions. No if, ands or buts … I asked him personally today, does he hold responsibility for what happened? Does he feel bad about what happened? He told me he does have some responsibility for what happened. And he needs to acknowledge that.
  • Statement to House Republicans (11 January 2021), as quoted in "New audio reveals McCarthy said Trump admitted bearing some responsibility for Capitol attack" by Melanie Zanona, CNN (22 April 2022)

• We cannot just sweep this under the rug. We need to know why it happened, who did it, and people need to be held accountable for it. And I'm committed to make sure that happens.
  • Audio recording (11 January 2021), quoted in "Leaked audio shows Kevin McCarthy demanding inquiry into Jan. 6 riot, a position he later completely reversed", Business Insider (9 June 2022)

• The President bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding. These facts require immediate action by President Trump, accept his share of responsibility, quell the brewing unrest and ensure President elect Biden is able to successfully begin his term. The President’s immediate action also deserves congressional action, which is why I think a fact finding commission and a censure resolution would be prudent. Unfortunately, that is not where we are today.
  Truly, this past week was one of the most difficult for Congress and our nation. Of all the days here, last Wednesday was the worst day I’ve ever seen in Congress. Our country is deeply hurt. So where do we go from here? After all the violence and chaos of the last week, it is important to remember that we’re still here to deliver a better future for all Americans. It does not matter if you are liberal, moderate, or conservative. All of us must resist the temptation of further polarization.
  Instead, we must unite once again as Americans. I understand for some this call for unity may ring hollow, but times like these are when we must remember who we are as Americans and what we as a nation stand for. And as history shows, unity is not an option. It’s a necessity. It is as necessary today as it was at the start of our country.
  • Statement in House Debates of 2nd Trump Impeachment (13 January 2021); also quoted in "Kevin McCarthy is desperately trying to memory hole January 6" (14 January 2022)

• Yesterday’s unprecedented leak is an attempt to severely damage the Supreme Court. This clearly coordinated campaign to intimidate and obstruct the Justices of the United States Supreme Court, and its independence in our political system, from upholding the Constitution must immediately be investigated by the court.
  • As quoted in "Collins, Manchin and other lawmakers react to the Supreme Court draft opinion", Politico (3 May 2022)

• House Republicans are committed to upholding the sanctity of life, and we will continue to fight to be a voice for the truly voiceless. There is nothing more special, extraordinary, and worth fighting for than the miracle of life
  • As quoted in "Collins, Manchin and other lawmakers react to the Supreme Court draft opinion", Politico (3 May 2022)

• When you wake up tomorrow, we will be in the majority and Nancy Pelosi will be in the minority
  • CONGRESS McCarthy’s victory party fizzles ("By OLIVIA BEAVERS and HAILEY FUCHS 11/09/2022 04:28 AM EST Updated: 11/09/2022 08:39 AM EST")

Quotes about McCarthy

• Yesterday, a man sharing that member’s rhetoric tried to assassinate the Speaker and her spouse. What has @GOPLeader said? Nothing. This is who he is
  • AOC Ocasio-Cortez slams McCarthy for saying ‘nothing’ following Paul Pelosi’s (BY LAUREN VELLA - 10/29/22 10:37 AM ET)

• I've been told by Kevin McCarthy ... of course I'll get committee assignments back
  • MTG McCarthy says he'll put Paul Gosar and Marjorie Taylor Greene back on committees if GOP retakes majority in 2022: 'They may have better committee assignments' (Bryan Metzger and Oma Seddiq Nov 18, 2021, 10:31 AM)

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