WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the below statement regarding her vote to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives:

“I came to Congress to get things done for Southwest Washington. I’m here to pass a right-to-repair bill, cut red tape for small businesses, and deliver results for working families. I’m here to be a voice for people like me who work in the trades and live in rural places. I’m here to fix broken systems so the people I represent can solve the real problems in their lives.

I embrace bipartisanship. I don’t take orders from the White House or my party leaders, and I’m unafraid to work across the aisle when I know it’s the right thing to do for my district. It’s how I get things done.

But bipartisanship isn’t how Kevin McCarthy tries to get things done. He’s taken our country to the brink of a default and the brink of a shutdown because of his refusal to operate in a bipartisan manner. He’s shown he’d rather be held hostage by a bunch of weirdos than admit he cannot lead the People’s House.

What this country needs is somebody who can govern, and Kevin hasn’t been that leader. I didn’t vote for Kevin to become Speaker back in January, and I didn’t vote for him today. Instead, I voted for a new direction for the U.S. House of Representatives – one that serves the interests of normal Americans, not political extremists.

Members of both parties now need to work together and come to terms on a stable, bipartisan governing arrangement. My priority will always be what’s best for Southwest Washington and the country.”