Q&A with Republican Study Committee Chair, Rep. Mike Johnson

What is your primary objective for the Caucus during the 116th Congress?

Throughout its history, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) has been referred to as the “intellectual arsenal” of conservatism in the House, and it serves a number of important functions. We are the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, with 143 current members working together every day to defend and advance liberty, security and opportunity for the American people. We do this by collaborating among members and working with the administration, conservative organizations and think tanks to develop good policy and strategic legislation and initiatives, organize opposition to harmful liberal policies and legislation, and develop and deliver effective messaging for the conservative cause. While we are in the minority this Congress, we remain very busy developing the policy “playbook” we intend to run when we win back the majority.

What do you think should be the top policy objectives of Congress over the next two years?

We have made it our mission in the RSC to create innovative policy solutions for our nation’s most pressing issues that are always consistent with our core principles and America’s founding ideals. Much of this work is being done through our issue-specific task forces within the RSC, each of which is comprised of members who have specific experience and expertise in the respective policy areas, such as budget and spending, government efficiency and accountability, health care, foreign affairs, etc. Much of our time and attention is currently focused on addressing our nation’s budget and spending problems, protecting individual liberty, prioritizing national security and ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to pursue economic prosperity. This begins with restoring fiscal sanity to the Congress and limiting the size and scope of government.

This freshman class is the most diverse in history and certainly has some rising stars among its ranks. Who are new members you think we should keep an eye on?

This is an extraordinary freshmen class in many respects, and we are happy to include its brightest, conservative talent in our ranks at RSC. So many of these new members have already become great assets to the Congress and our cause. It is such an encouragement to spend time with rising stars like Dan Crenshaw, Chip Roy, Kelly Armstrong, Mark Green, Denver Riggleman and William Timmons, just to name a few, and to know our country is in good hands for the challenges we will face in the days ahead.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

One of the most difficult parts about my job is being away from my family while I am in Washington, so I always make it a priority to spend as much time with them as possible when I am back in Louisiana. With four busy children, ages 18 to 8, my wife and I stay constantly engaged in activity. When we’re not cheering on our children in their music, sports, church or school endeavors, we all love to spend time outdoors. Louisiana offers some of the greatest hunting, fishing and outdoor activities anywhere, and we try to take advantage of it all.