Mike Rogers Plans to Step Down from GOP Panel After Losing his Cool with Matt Gaetz

U.S. House Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) announced he plans on stepping down from the steering committee, which decides who gets what committee assignments.

This comes after Rogers lost his cool after the 14th vote for Speaker of the House failed on Friday evening. Entering the 14th vote, it was rumored that McCarthy had the votes to take the speakership, however, he failed to obtain what he needed in that session by only one vote.

Rogers was apparently upset with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and appeared to lunge at him while the vote had been paused and discussions were taking place to possibly sway Gaetz to change his present vote to McCarthy. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) holds appeared to hold Rogers back.

After the incident, it seems Gaetz and Rogers have made amends. Rogers has reportedly decided on his own that he will step down from the steering committee, with no pressure from any of his colleagues.

Rogers has been a longtime critic of members of the House Freedom Caucus, many of whom voted against McCarthy for a majority of the 14 speaker votes. It seems that Rogers was more physically upset over this than McCarthy, as on the 15th vote that was finalized early Saturday morning, McCarthy secured his speakership.

Gaetz announced publicly that he and Rogers will “work together wonderfully going forward.” and forgave Rogers.

Rogers responded with:

“.@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding.”

.@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding. https://t.co/8GmbJHO3cK

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 8, 2023

Although Rogers has not yet stepped down, he seems to be planning to do so sometime this week.

Read more:

Matt Gaetz Shows Grace, Forgives Mike Rogers on TV After ‘Animated Moment’ on House Floor

GOP Rep Mike Rogers Restrained After Lunging at Matt Gaetz During Tense Interaction Prior to Final Speaker Vote