Republican Study Committee

Last updated
Republican Study Committee
Chair Kevin Hern
Founded1973;51 years ago (1973)
Ideology
Political position Center-right [2] to right-wing [3]
National affiliation Republican Party
Colors  Red
Seats in the House Republican Conference
177 / 220 [a]
Seats in the House
177 / 435 [a]
Website
rsc-hern.house.gov

The Republican Study Committee (RSC) is a congressional caucus of conservative members of the Republican Party in the United States House of Representatives. [4] In November 2022, Representative Kevin Hern of Oklahoma was elected as the chair of the RSC, [5] effective as of January 2023. [6]

Contents

Although the primary functions of the RSC vary from year to year, it has always pushed for significant cuts in non-defense spending, [7] advocated socially conservative legislation, [8] and supported the right to keep and bear arms. [9] It has proposed an alternative budget every year since 1995. [10] In 2007, in conjunction with the unveiling of its "Taxpayer Bill of Rights", [11] it presented an alternative budget resolution that it claimed would balance the budget within five years without increasing income taxes. [12] [13]

Entering the 118th United States Congress, the RSC was the largest ideological caucus in Congress of either party. [14]

Initiatives

The RSC's legislative initiatives are detailed in the American Taxpayer Bill of Rights, [15] unveiled in March 2007. [16]

  1. Taxpayers have a right to have a federal government that does not grow beyond their ability to pay for it.
  2. Taxpayers have a right to receive back each dollar that they entrust to the government for their retirement.
  3. Taxpayers have a right to expect the government to balance the budget without having their taxes raised.
  4. Taxpayers have a right to a simple, fair tax code that they can understand.

History

The RSC was founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich and other conservative activists to keep a watch on the House Republican leadership, which they saw as too moderate. Their formation mirrored the rise of the Democratic Study Group, a liberal force in the Democratic Caucus founded in 1959. The group's first chairman was Phil Crane of Illinois.

The group briefly dissolved in 1995 when Newt Gingrich abolished it and other similar groups [17] after the Republicans won control of the House for the first time in 40 years. It was soon resurrected as the Conservative Action Team (CATs) by Dan Burton of Indiana (the last chair of the original RSC), Sam Johnson of Texas, John Doolittle of California and Ernest Istook of Oklahoma. These four founders alternated as chairs throughout the following two Congresses until David McIntosh of Indiana became chair in 1998.

Paul Teller spent over ten years as Executive Director of RSC. He was fired in December 2013 by Steve Scalise for divulging member conversations. [18] Teller had been working with two outside groups in opposition to a budget deal forged by Paul Ryan and Patty Murray. [19]

Chairs

Former members

The RSC membership list is available on the group's website. [20] It counts former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay among its former members. In addition, at least two sitting senators—John Boozman (AR) and Roger Wicker (MS)—were members of the RSC while serving in the House. At least three former governors–Pence (IN), Butch Otter (ID) and Bobby Jindal (LA)—were also members.

List of former members

Political issues

On June 16, 2010, the committee issued a press release critical of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama for negotiating an agreement with energy company BP to waive the $75 million federal limit on oil company liability for oil spills. The statement called the agreement requiring BP to set aside $20 billion to pay damage claims for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill a "Chicago-style political shakedown" by the White House. [25]

In July 2013, the Republican Study Committee barred The Heritage Foundation employees from attending its weekly meeting in the Capitol, reversing a decades-old policy, over disagreements about the farm bill. [26]

In June 2015, the Republican Study Committee reacted to the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage, calling it "a loss for democratic self-government" and stating "we should work to promote the truth of marriage between a man and a woman." [27]

In 2021, their policy positions included maintaining the Hyde Amendment, constructing a wall on the southern border, and ending perceived censorship of conservative-leaning content. [28]

Membership

Republican Study Committee in the 118th United States Congress Republican Study Committee in the 118th Congress.svg
Republican Study Committee in the 118th United States Congress

Current members

The Republican Study Committee publishes its membership on its website. [29] Currently, 17 members are also known to be part of the Freedom Caucus, which does not officially publish membership lists.

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Non-voting members


*Also a member of the Freedom Caucus.

Notes

  1. 1 2 This figure does not include James Moylan, a non-voting Delegate who is a member of the caucus.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congressional Black Caucus</span> Caucus comprising most black members of the United States Congress

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is made up of Black members of the United States Congress. Representative Steven Horsford from Nevada, the current chairperson, succeeded Joyce Beatty from Ohio in 2023. Although most members belong to the Democratic Party, the CBC founders envisioned it as a non-partisan organization, and there have been several instances of bipartisan collaboration with Republicans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republican Main Street Partnership</span> Republican Party (United States) nonprofit organization

The Republican Main Street Partnership is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support politicians in the moderate wing of the Republican Party. The Republican Main Street Partnership does not advocate for legislation but offers networking and mentorship opportunities and provides a forum for discussion. The Partnership is affiliated with a super PAC called Defending Main Street. The Partnership is also affiliated with the Republican Main Street Caucus, a Republican congressional member organization that takes pragmatic conservative positions.

In the United States House of Representatives, the two major political parties maintain policy and steering committees. Their primary purpose is to assign fellow party members to other House committees, and they also advise party leaders on policy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Teller</span>

Paul Scott Teller is the executive director of Advancing American Freedom in Washington DC, Mike Pence's advocacy organization. Teller previously served under President Donald Trump as Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, as well Director of Strategic Affairs for Vice President Mike Pence. Earlier, Teller had been chief of staff for Texas Senator Ted Cruz and executive director of the United States House of Representatives Republican Study Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congressional Taiwan Caucus</span> Political party

The Congressional Taiwan Caucus is a Congressional Member Organization in the United States Congress with 144 members. The caucus focuses exclusively on improving US–Taiwan relations.

The Congressional Western Caucus is a caucus within the United States House of Representatives composed of 62 members. Although it has historically been bipartisan, it is currently composed almost exclusively of Republicans. It was founded by then-representatives James V. Hansen (R-Utah), Bob Stump (R-Arizona), Joe Skeen and Barbara Vucanovich (R-Nevada) in 1993 during the 103rd United States Congress. Despite its name, the Congressional Western Caucus has members from outside the Western United States, including as far east as New York City and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Congressional International Conservation Caucus, founded in September 2003, is a bipartisan congressional organization with the conviction that “the United States of America has the opportunity, the obligation and the interests to advance the conservation of natural resources for this and future generations,” and a commitment to promote U.S. leadership in public/private conservation partnerships worldwide.

The Republican Governance Group, originally the Tuesday Lunch Bunch and then the Tuesday Group until 2020, is a group of moderate Republicans in the United States House of Representatives. It was founded in 1994 in the wake of the Republican takeover of the House; the Republican House caucus came to be dominated by conservatives. It is considered a center to center-right congressional caucus, with its members primarily from competitive House districts.

From October 1 to October 17, 2013, the United States federal government entered a shutdown and curtailed most routine operations because neither legislation appropriating funds for the fiscal year 2014 nor a continuing resolution for the interim authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 2014 was enacted in time. Regular government operations resumed October 17 after an interim appropriations bill was signed into law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amash–Conyers Amendment</span>

The Amash–Conyers Amendment was a proposal to end the "NSA's blanket collection of Americans' telephone records", sponsored by Justin Amash and John Conyers in the US House of Representatives. The measure was voted down, 217 to 205.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congressional Arts Caucus</span> Political caucus in the United States

The Congressional Arts Caucus is a registered Congressional Member Organization for the US House of Representatives in the 115th Congress.

The U.S.–Japan Caucus is a bipartisan congressional member organization within the United States Congress made up of over 100 members of the United States House of Representatives who work to strengthen and maintain U.S.–Japanese relations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary Medicine Caucus</span> Political party in United States

The Congressional Veterinary Medicine Caucus is a Congressional Member Organization within the United States Congress and is officially recognized by the Committee on House Administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congressional Constitution Caucus</span> Political party in United States

The Congressional Constitution Caucus is a congressional caucus made up of 41 members of the United States Congress. The caucus was founded in 2005; it had 37 members the first year it was founded.

The Second Amendment Caucus, also known as the House Second Amendment Caucus, is a congressional caucus consisting of conservative and libertarian Republican members of the United States House of Representatives who support Second Amendment rights.

On January 3, 2019, the first day of the 116th United States Congress and two months after the 2018 U.S. House elections, the incoming members of the U.S. House of Representatives held an election for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. This was the 126th U.S. speaker election since the office was created in 1789.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 United States Electoral College vote count</span> Last step of 2020 presidential election

The count of the Electoral College ballots during a joint session of the 117th United States Congress, pursuant to the Electoral Count Act, on January 6–7, 2021, was the final step to confirm then President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election over President Donald Trump.

The Conservative Climate Caucus is a caucus within the United States House of Representatives composed of 81 members, all of the Republican Party. It was founded by Representative John Curtis (R-Utah) in 2021 during the 117th United States Congress. The caucus's self-declared purpose is to "Educate House Republicans on climate policies and legislation consistent with conservative values".

References

  1. "About RSC". Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  2. Stening, Tanner (June 5, 2023). "Is the US now a four-party system? Progressives split Democrats, and far-right divides Republicans". Northeastern Global News. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  3. Clarke, Andrew J. (July 2020). "Party Sub‐Brands and American Party Factions". American Journal of Political Science . 64 (3): 9. doi:10.1111/ajps.12504.
  4. "Republican U.S. Representative Walker urges rejection of planned tariffs". Reuters. 2018-03-05. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  5. "Republican Study Committee Elects Rep. Kevin Hern As New Chairman". U.S. Representative Kevin Hern. 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2023-01-05.
  6. "Oklahoma congressman announces committee appointments". Oklahoma Energy Today. 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2023-01-05.
  7. Weisman, Jonathan (October 19, 2005). "House GOP Leaders Set to Cut Spending". The Washington Post .
  8. Davis, Michelle R. (2006-06-06). "Conservative House GOP Group Flexes Policy Muscle". Education Week. ISSN   0277-4232 . Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  9. Brandon Moseley (2017-01-10). "Palmer appointed to RSC Steering Committee". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  10. Orr, Gabby (2021-03-01). "The Republican trying to bridge the Trump-Pence divide". Politico. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  11. Garrison, Trey (2007-03-14). "A New Contract With America?". D Magazine. Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  12. "Republican Study Committee Asks Taxpayers to Sign Online Petition | Tax Notes". www.taxnotes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  13. "Conservative Groups Support RSC's 'Bold' Fiscal Plan | Tax Notes". www.taxnotes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  14. Brown, Hayes (2021-09-28). "Joe Biden's Build Back Better Agenda is being held up by moderate Democrats". MSNBC. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  15. "The RSC's Taxpayer Bill of Rights". Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved 2017-03-25.
  16. "RSC Leaders Rally to Support Taxpayers as Democrats Sanction Largest Tax Increase in American History" (PDF) (press release). Republican Study Committee. March 21, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 13, 2012. Retrieved 2017-03-25.
  17. "Fall of the house of Newt - November 16, 1998". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  18. Alberta, Tim (December 11, 2013). "RSC Fires Executive Director for Leaking 'Member-Level' Talks to Outside Groups". National Journal.
  19. Kane, Paul (December 11, 2013). "House GOP leader Steve Scalise fires top aide, Paul Teller, citing breach of trust". Washington Post.
  20. "RSC Member List | Republican Study Committee (RSC)". Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2009., RSC's 2012 website.
  21. reporter, Rudolph Bush, Tribune staff. "Bitter end to 35-year career". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2021-02-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. Zawislak, Mick (2014-11-16). "Crane remembered as conservative pioneer". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  23. Foran, Clare (2024-03-12). "GOP Rep. Ken Buck to leave Congress at end of next week | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  24. 1 2 "RSC membership". Archived from the original on 2024-04-14. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  25. "Chicago-Style Political Shakedown | Republican Study Committee (RSC)" (Press release). Republican Study Committee. 16 June 2010. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  26. Republican Lawmakers Retaliate Against Heritage Foundation, Tim Alberts, National Journal , August 28, 2013
  27. "House Republican Reaction to Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage | C-SPAN.org".
  28. "Republican Study Committee". Republican Study Committee.
  29. "Membership". Republican Study Committee. 2017-12-06. Retrieved 2021-09-25.