What is voting ‘to table’ motion in House of Representatives?

Before the House of Representatives begins to vote on the possible ouster of Kevin McCarthy as the House Speaker on Tuesday, they will vote ‘to table’ motion.

What is voting ‘to table’ motion?

It basically means the House will vote shortly on a motion to table – or kill – the motion that has been brought by GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz to vacate the speaker’s chair. 

The motion to table requires a simple majority to succeed. However, the Democrats have said they will vote against a motion to table. Six Republicans who are in favor of ousting McCarthy have said they will vote against it as well. 

Also Read | Which 6 Republicans have vowed to vote in favor of ousting Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker?

If the motion to table fails, the House will begin an hour of debate on the motion to vacate. Gaetz will get half an hour to make his case. An ally of McCarthy will then get the same amount of time to argue in favor of keeping McCarthy in his seat.

If voting ‘to table’ the motion is successful then the topic of a potential ouster of McCarthy will be kept aside for now as the House goes about its business of the day.

Also Read | House Democratic leadership recommends voting to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy

In case the resolution to oust McCarthy does go forward, it would require a majority vote to succeed and oust the speaker from the leadership post. It is expected to be a roll call vote. This means that each member will have to stand up and voice their vote aloud, as opposed to an electronic vote.