Upon making the decision to participate in an internship with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, I did not realize that one fateful day, I would have the privilege of experiencing a pivotal moment in American politics. Kevin McCarthy’s ousting from his position as Speaker of the House was an event that offered me profound insights into the functioning of our democracy, the fast-paced, unpredictable environment of Congress that is rarely televised, and most importantly, the true significance of voting.
As an intern, my role is primarily to observe, take notes, and learn from the political experts around me. I am currently a legislative intern for U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV), who simultaneously serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Along with 37 other interns, our goal as a cohort is to understand the democratic process and express the importance of black representation in government.
This is a crucial aspect of our work, as it not only demonstrates the diversity and inclusivity that our democracy thrives upon but also underscores the significance of providing a voice to marginalized communities. Our collective mission, therefore, goes beyond the daily tasks and responsibilities of an intern; it extends to shaping the narrative of a more inclusive and representative government, which resonates with the values and vision of both Prairie View A&M University and the CBCF.
In the hallowed halls of Congress, political history is often written. The Speaker of the House is one of the most influential figures in American governance, and a removal from the position was a first in American history. It is one thing to see such a rare and momentous occasion play out on national news, but to see it firsthand in the House Chambers is an experience I will never forget.
I first entered the spectator’s section as U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was tirelessly debating against McCarthy’s supporters. Upset about his reliance on Democratic votes to pass a bill avoiding a government shutdown, Gaetz accused McCarthy of repeatedly breaching his agreement with House Conservatives to side with more Democratic motions, including allegedly striking a deal with House Democrats to provide more funding to Ukraine. As the votes were being tallied, and the yeas and nays were thoroughly counted, I, along with four other CBCF interns, watched in awe, quickly realizing together that simply by chance, we would experience a historic event.
Finally, the decision was announced. The yeas supporting his removal were 216, while the nays were 210, and thus, the position of Speaker of the House was declared vacant. The energy of the room was nothing short of pure shock. For a few seconds, you could hear a pin drop; then, whispers shrouded the House floor. One woman started weeping in the midst of everyone’s realization. I looked at my cohort members, who, with me included, all had their eyebrows raised in awe. I turned to see McCarthy’s reaction, where he responded to the news by quickly leaving the room in a huff.
One of the key takeaways from this experience was seeing the importance of voting. The removal of the Speaker of the House underscores the power of our democratic system. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or part of any other political party, it’s imperative to participate in the democratic process by casting your vote. Each vote contributes to the overall balance and functioning of our government, and it’s the backbone of our political landscape.
While the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House was a remarkable moment, it was also a reminder of the fluidity of politics. Our democratic system is designed to adapt and evolve, reflecting the will of the people. It serves as a testament to the importance of being engaged citizens, and the lesson learned is clear: your vote matters.
Prairie View A&M, my alma mater, played a significant role in my decision to pursue this internship. As a Historically Black University, Prairie View A&M has a rich legacy of civil engagement and activism. The University’s commitment to social justice and equal representation was a staunch motivator in my participation in the CBCF intern program.
Maia Taylor ’23
My time at Prairie View A&M instilled in me the importance of civic responsibility and the need to actively engage in the political process. Through my experiences at the University, I developed a deep appreciation for the African-American political journey and the struggles faced in the fight for equality. Prairie View A&M inspired me to seek opportunities where I could learn, grow, and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of justice and equal representation.
In conclusion, my internship at the CBCF unexpectedly provided me with a front-row seat to a momentous event in American politics. In this dynamic political climate, the lessons learned from witnessing the Speaker of the House removal show the impact of our votes in shaping the future of our nation.
Maia Taylor is an alumna of Prairie View A&M University, having received a bachelor’s degree in political science in May 2023.