The Republican Study Committee (RSC), once known as the stronghold for the Republican Party’s staunch conservatives, has emerged as a critical link among the prominent figures in the contentious GOP speaker battle. This 176-member strong group is now predominantly composed of House GOP lawmakers who identify as conservatives.
Within the RSC, several influential figures in the ongoing House speaker race gained their initial leadership experience. Jim Jordan, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee from Ohio, previously led the RSC from 2011 to 2012.
Subsequently, he co-founded the House Freedom Caucus due to concerns that the RSC was not sufficiently conservative.
Jordan is presently the House Republicans’ choice for the next speaker following a closed-door vote on Friday.
Steve Scalise, the Majority Leader from Louisiana, had been designated as the speaker before withdrawing from the race on Thursday night due to insufficient support. Notably, Scalise succeeded Jim Jordan as the RSC chair.
In the current landscape, Rep. Kevin Hern from Oklahoma, who currently serves as the RSC chair, was also mentioned as a potential candidate for the speaker position.
The RSC’s guiding principles emphasize the belief that limited government’s role is to safeguard liberty, opportunity, and security, with the responsibility of preserving these ideals for future generations.
They hold that more government exacerbates problems rather than solving them and that American ingenuity, innovation, and prosperity flourish when individuals are free to live in accordance with their beliefs.
The RSC firmly believes that conservative commitment paves the way for a brighter future for America.
Notably, the RSC boasts an impressive 80% representation within the Republican conference.
