FreedomWorks’ Congressman of the Month – Tim Huelskamp

This month’s spotlight falls on Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who has represented Kansas’ 1st District since 2011, and who has one of the most impressive voting records of any member of Congress, amassing a lifetime grade of 97 percent on Freedom Works’ Congressional Scorecard. He is also a proud member of the House Freedom Caucus, the group of 40 or so representatives dedicated to supporting a liberty agenda in Congress.

Apart from being a fearless champion of freedom, Rep. Huelskamp understands the true meaning of his title “Representative.” More than perhaps anyone else in the federal legislature, he truly represents the people of his District by working tirelessly to listen to their concerns and receive their input.

Last month, Huelskamp hosted his 300th town hall meeting, and he has visited all of the 63 counties in his District every year since he took office. He says he has hosted more in-person town hall meetings than any other sitting member of Congress. That kind of devotion to constituents is a rare quality, and shows that Rep. Huelskamp understands that the government works for the people, not the other way around.

Among Huelskamp’s other accomplishments in Congress is his willingness to stand up to leadership and do right by the people who elected him. He was one of the few Republicans who was willing to openly oppose John Boehner for Speaker of the House, He has repeatedly voted for the complete repeal of ObamaCare. He has opposed major spending bills such as the Cromnibus and the Ryan-Murray Budget, and he even cosponsored a bill to eliminate the Internal Revenue Service.

Taking these bold positions does not come without a price. In 2012, Huelskamp lost his seats on the Budget and Agriculture Committees for taking positions contrary to those of House leadership. Earlier this year, he said he was once again denied a spot on the Agriculture Committee due to his vote against John Boehner for Speaker of the House in January.

It is worth noting the Rep. Huelskamp holds a Ph.D. in political science with a concentration in agricultural policy. If he doesn’t belong on the Agriculture Committee, it hard to see who does. It’s a symptom of John Boehner’s petty and ineffective leadership that he makes committee assignments based on personal grudges rather than the actual qualifications of Members of Congress.

For being a stellar representative, a true man of the people, and a champion of freedom in the face of John Boehner’s vengeance, we’re extremely proud to name Representative Tim Huelskamp our Congressman of the Month!