GOP lawmaker calls CNN the ‘Clinton News Network’ while defending Kevin McCarthy

In an interview with CNN, Texas Congressman Troy Nehls called anchor Erin Burnett a ‘young lady’ before referring to the channel at the ‘Clinton News Network.’

Following an 11th round of voting that failed on Thursday to produce a new Speaker of the House, Nehls spoke to Burnett about his steadfast support for GOP Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

Burnett, the host of OutFront, asked Nehls if he was prepared to continue voting into the next few days as Republicans attempt to come to a consensus about who will become the next leader of the chamber.

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Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) called CNN host Erin Burnett a ‘young lady’ and referred to her network as the ‘Clinton News Network’ during a Thursday evening interview

Burnett spoke with Nehls, a member of the Freedom Caucus, who nominated McCarthy on the floor prior to the third round of voting on Thursday

‘I’m a combat veteran and served in law enforcement for 30 years,’ Nehls said. ‘I can be here until July.’

It was Nehls who rose to nominate McCarthy for the third-round votes on Thursday. 

Burnett replied, ‘Is that a metaphor for how you feel about this? … there is nothing that can break or shake (your support for McCarthy) at this point?’

Nehls then responded: ‘Listen, I don’t know if you are aware of, young lady, but I’m  also a member of the House Freedom Caucus.’

‘So I am one of those America First patriots. I have said to my friends, my colleagues in the Freedom Caucus that I don’t believe that this is the battle we should be waging.

‘I think the real battle starts when we start drafting legislation and policy in the 118th congress under a Speaker McCarthy,’ he said.

Burnett then said, ‘I assume when you called me a young lady, it was a compliment.’

‘Of course it was. This is my first time on the Clinton News Network,’ said Nehls.

To which Burnett retorted, ‘Okay, that I will say, in my opinion, was a bit rude.’

‘But I’m glad you’re talking to me and I’ll treat you with the respect that you deserve,’ she added.

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Rep. Kevin McCarthy thanks Rep. Troy Nehls following the latter’s nomination speech for the third round of Speaker voting on Thursday

McCarthy has failed to procure the votes needed from his own caucus to become the Speaker of the House this week. The House adjourned Thursday evening following another long day of voting

Burnett, a congressman from Texas and former sheriff, said he disagrees with the ‘Never Kevin’ sentiment shared by some members of the Freedom Caucus

The House once again adjourned on Thursday evening, ending a third day of the 118th Congress without a Speaker in place.

Lawmakers voted to call it a day following four rounds of voting since noon and will pick things up where they left off on Friday.

Prior to adjournment, rumors had begun to swirl inside the Capitol complex and beyond that struggling leader McCarthy was on the precipice of brokering a deal with the 20 holdout Republicans who have been casting votes against him for the top job.

McCarthy has so far lost a historic 11 rounds of ballots for the speakership, the most since 1859.

It’s been reported that McCarthy made some significant new concessions to his 20 detractors, including a measure that would allow one GOP lawmaker to trigger a vote for a new House Speaker, according to CNN – known as a motion to vacate the chair.

In addition to the motion to vacate the chair being set at one vote, McCarthy has also reportedly promised conservatives votes on border security and term limits legislation.

He also reportedly agreed to give more spots on the House Rules Committee to members of the hardline-right House Freedom Caucus. The powerful panel acts as a gatekeeper for any legislation that comes to the floor.