Texas Republicans close ranks behind McCarthy as Gaetz moves to oust the speaker

WASHINGTON – Texas Republicans rallied behind embattled Speaker Kevin McCarthy, voting Wednesday to block a move by a handful of ultraconservatives to oust him after just nine months on the job. But Democrats in the narrowly divided House – stung by McCarthy’s capitulations to his right flank on impeachment and spending – gave the speaker no support, siding with Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and his small band of GOP rebels. McCarthy allies tried to table Gaetz’s motion to vacate, a sort of no confidence motion that forces a snap vote...