The Republican Study Committee (RSC) is a prominent congressional caucus of conservative members of the Republican Party in the United States House of Representatives, founded in 1973 by Representative Phil Crane (R-IL) and other conservative activists including Paul Weyrich. It was established to counter what its founders perceived as overly moderate Republican leadership and to advocate for limited government, fiscal conservatism, traditional values, strong national defense, and economic growth. The RSC functions as the 'conservative conscience' of the House Republican Conference, providing research, legislative tools, and a platform for members to collaborate on issues like healthcare reform, social safety nets, defense, and curbing federal overreach. It has influenced key Republican priorities including the Contract with America in the 1990s, post-9/11 reforms, and ongoing fiscal policy battles, often issuing annual budget blueprints and policy recommendations. The organization was briefly dissolved in 1995 following the Republican takeover of the House under Newt Gingrich, then revived as the Conservative Action Team (CATs) before reverting to its original name in 2001 under Chairman John Shadegg. Leadership rotates among members, with past chairs including Mike Pence, Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, and Mark Walker. In November 2024, Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) was elected chair, effective January 2025. The RSC continues to play a pivotal role in a polarized Congress, amplifying conservative voices on economic, defense, and cultural matters while navigating tensions within the broader Republican Party.