The infighting among House Republicans over a spending bill has sparked a war of words between Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

On Monday, Spartz, along with several other GOP members, came out in opposition of a short-term government funding bill, known as a “continuing resolution,” negotiated by Republicans in the far-right Freedom Caucus and the pragmatic Main Street Caucus. McCarthy was not part of the talks.

In a statement, Spartz attacked McCarthy’s “lack of leadership.”

"Unfortunately, real leadership takes courage and willingness to fight for the country, not for power and a picture on a wall,” Spartz said. “The Republican House is failing the American people again and pursuing a path of gamesmanship and circus. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have the backbone to challenge the corrupt swamp that is bankrupting our children and grandchildren.

“It is a shame that our weak Speaker cannot even commit to having a commission to discuss our looming fiscal catastrophe,” she added. “Our founding fathers would be rolling over in their graves to see how this institution is betraying our Republic for personal political ambitions and our children will be ashamed of another worthless Congress.”

Asked about Spartz’s statement Monday, McCarthy attacked the Ukrainian-born congresswoman for choosing not to seek reelection next year, a decision she announced in February. 

“Anybody who criticizes you has never worked harder than you,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol. “And, I mean, if Victoria is concerned about fighting stronger, I wish she would’ve run again and not quit. I mean, I’m not quitting. I’m going to continue to work for the American public.”

Spartz was then asked in an interview on NewsNation’s “The Hill” about McCarthy’s remarks, saying she might reconsider her decision not to seek a third term.

“Well, his wishes might come true,” she said. “I’m not sure if he really wishes that, but, you know, I’ll be honest with you: I do need to regroup because I think my party is failing the people.

“Maybe this fight needs to be won here, and I have to decide because I feel, if we are not going to save this republic, there is no [one] else who’s going to stand up for people,” Spartz added. 

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., also a McCarthy critic, called the speaker’s comments about Spartz “disgraceful.”

“Rep. Spartz is retiring after honorable service because her family needs her and she values the most important institution in American life,” Gaetz wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Kevin attacking a woman for putting her family above ambition & power is truly a new low. Kevin would never understand subjugating ambition for anything, or anyone.”