Freedom Caucus

Freedom Caucus
ChairAndy Harris
FoundedJanuary 26, 2015 (2015-01-26)
Split fromRepublican Study Committee
Preceded byTea Party Caucus (de facto)
Ideology
Political position
National affiliationRepublican Party
Seats in the House Republican Conference
32 / 220
Seats in the House
32 / 435
Website
Campaign website
State Freedom Caucus Network website

The Freedom Caucus, also known as the House Freedom Caucus, is a congressional caucus consisting of Republican members of the United States House of Representatives. It is generally considered to be the most conservative bloc within the chamber. The caucus was formed in January 2015 by a group of conservatives and Tea Party movement members, with the aim of pushing the Republican leadership to the right. Its first chairman, Jim Jordan, described the caucus as a "smaller, more cohesive, more agile and more active" group of conservative representatives. Its current chairman, Andy Harris, is considered by some media to be a far-right politician due to some of his radical proposals.

The caucus is positioned right-wing to far-right on the political spectrum, and it is substantially linked to the values of national conservatism. The hardline conservative group favors social conservatism and small government, along with right-wing populist beliefs such as opposition to immigration reform. The group sought dozens of times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Established as a more conservative alternative to the Republican Study Committee, the group initially emphasized fiscal conservatism and concerns about House rules, favoring budget cuts and a decentralization of power within the House of Representatives.

After the election of Donald Trump, it became what Politico described as "more populist and nationalist, but less bound by policy principles." The caucus has included some members who are libertarians. The caucus supports House candidates through its PAC, the House Freedom Fund. The caucus also has official affiliated caucuses in state legislatures through the State Freedom Caucus Network.