Freedom Caucus
Freedom Caucus | |
|---|---|
| Chair | Andy Harris (MD–1) |
| Founded | January 26, 2015 |
| Split from | Republican Study Committee |
| Preceded by | Tea Party Caucus (de facto) |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | |
| National affiliation | Republican Party |
| Seats in the House Republican Conference | 31 / 218 |
| Seats in the House | 31 / 435 |
| Website | |
| Freedom Caucus Freedom Caucus Fund | |
The Freedom Caucus, also known as the House Freedom Caucus, is a congressional caucus of conservative members of the Republican Party in the United States House of Representatives. It is generally considered to be the most conservative bloc within the chamber.
Formed in January 2015 by a number of conservative lawmakers, including several associated with the Tea Party movement, the caucus was created to advocate for a more conservative policy agenda and push Republican leadership to the right. Its first chairman was Jim Jordan, and its current chairman is Andy Harris. Members typically support policies associated with fiscal and social conservatism, including lower federal spending, limited government, and stricter immigration policies.
Over time, the caucus has been associated with right-wing populist and national conservatism, particularly during the presidencies of Donald Trump. It has also included some members who are libertarians. The Freedom Caucus has often taken an assertive role in internal House politics, sometimes opposing legislation supported by Republican leadership or using procedural tools to influence the legislative process. Members of the caucus played a key role in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. Members have also supported efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and have advocated for changes to House rules intended to decentralize power.
The caucus supports House candidates through its PAC, the House Freedom Fund.