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RLC Statement on June 21st Iran Strikes

By
Republican Liberty Caucus
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MELBOURNE, FL – While the RLC supports President Trump, we do not agree with tonight’s strikes.

  • This move has exponentially increased the threat to Americans in the US and around the world.
  • The law of unintended consequences is undefeated. After the debacles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria we know that kinetic action rarely turns out as planned.
  • The 1973 War Powers Act makes it clear that the president may only authorize such strikes a) when the U.S. is under imminent threat, and b) to defend American interests. There was no imminent threat from Iran, and no American interest has been defined.

Under any other circumstance the Constitution is clear that the war power resides with Congress.

The American people elected President Trump, in part, because his antiwar disposition and master negotiating skills offered the prospect of a peaceful and prosperous America.

Tonight’s bombing of Iran contradicts President Trump’s peace instinct, and we hope the opportunity remains for him to employ his negotiating skills toward a resolution without further military engagement.

About the Republican Liberty Caucus
The Republican Liberty Caucus is a 527 voluntary grassroots membership organization dedicated to working within the Republican Party to advance the principles of individual rights, limited government, and free markets. Founded in 1991, it is the oldest continuously operating organization within the Liberty Republican movement.

Libertarian Party 2024 Vice-Presidential Nominee Mike ter Maat Joins Republican Liberty Caucus

By
Matt Nye
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Mike ter Maat, the 2024 Libertarian Party candidate for vice president, has joined the Republican Party and the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC). A former White House economist, entrepreneur, professor, and eleven-year police officer, ter Maat said the move reflects a strategic shift – not a change in ideology.

“The Republican Liberty Caucus is delighted to welcome Mike ter Maat, a leading voice for liberty,” said John Dennis, Chairman of the RLC. “The path set out last year by then-candidate Trump at the Libertarian Party convention for liberty-minded change agents has now come full circle.”

“The Republican Party will be the arena for the critical debate of the next political cycle,” added ter Maat. “To strengthen our economy through free markets, unify our nation through the Constitution, and protect our future through fiscal conservatism and a common-sense foreign policy, we must engage where it matters most.”

Alongside ter Maat, forty-one liberty advocates are joining the RLC, many of whom played roles in ter Maat’s 2024 campaign, some transitioning from the LP, others are already members of the GOP. Several will take on active roles expanding the RLC’s reach ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential cycle.

Dennis said, “The Republican Liberty Caucus is the right entry point for liberty Republicans, Libertarians, and independents committed to the fight for liberty and constitutional governance. The RLC is excited to fulfill this important role.”

This new recruitment effort is spearheaded by four leaders in the Libertarian Party:
• Michael Smith, 2024 ter Maat campaign advisory chairman and former chair of LP-Broward, Florida,
• Irene Mavrakakis, 2024 ter Maat campaign outreach director, former chair of LP-Delaware and founder of Liberty Speaks,
• David Moscrip, former chair of LP-Hillsborough, Florida, who is returning to the GOP in which he had been a long-time organizer in Indiana, and
• Corey Fauconier, former communications director & state senate candidate, LP-Virginia and host of Talks Over Drinks podcast.

Concluded ter Maat, “This is the right team, supporting the right brand, to fight the right fight. We’re excited to join the battle inside the GOP for constitutional governance.”

Other notable individuals making the move include the following:
• Sally Bacon, 2024 ter Maat presidential campaign organizer
• Landon Cahow, 2024 ter Maat campaign & 2006 Carl Whitaker campaign web manager, and member of the Ron Paul 2008 & 2012 campaigns
• DL Cummings, former chairman of LP-Duvall County, Florida, and host of the LibertyDad podcast
• Hailey Dollar, 2026 candidate, Virginia House of Delegates
• Amity Dolby, former District 5 chair, LP-Virginia
• Bill Dunn, Rancher on the Arizona border
• Donna Johnson Grebas, former LP-Virginia District 4 chair, retired US Army Reserve officer
• Joshua Hlavka, former LP-Florida chair and 2024 ter Maat campaign advisor
• Jeff Kleb, Army Reserve veteran, co-host of Talks Over Drinks podcast, Virginia
• Shawn Lux, former LP-Broward County, Florida, secretary
• Jon Marietta, elected Recorder of Deeds, Fayette County, PA and host of the Hillbilly Jon Show on WMBS Radio
• Andrew McClelland, law enforcement sergeant, Florida, and 2020 ter Maat Congressional campaign advisor
• Amy Misko, former LP-Mississippi secretary and founder of Libertarians for Learning
• Evan Murphy, award-winning Manhattan photographer and 2024 ter Maat campaign social media manager
• Brandon Padget, professor of history, Illinois, and 2024 ter Maat campaign organizer
• Russ Paige, intellectual property attorney, Texas, and 2024 ter Maat campaign advisor
• Valentin Potra, 2024 ter Maat campaign worker, linguistic anthropologist, and former professor and senior instructional designer
• David Roberson, former LP candidate for Texas Supreme Court and Texas House, former LP-Texas Committeeman, and 2024 ter Maat campaign worker
• Steve Roberts, former member and 2026 candidate for the Kansas State Board of Education
• Jeffrey Rose. MAHA PAC and MAHA Institute organizer, legislative coordinator for Start School Later
• Sandy Sanders, co-host of Talks Over Drinks podcast, Attorney and Former Contributor Virginia Right
• Sean Shepard, former Congressional candidate, former assistant state director for Americans for Fair Taxation, and Indiana Property Tax Protests organizer
• Donald E. Scoggins, Virginia community activist, Vietnam War veteran, and past candidate for mayor of Baltimore
• Scott Sheldon, entrepreneur & international investment banker and 2024 ter Maat campaign advisor
• Jodi Smith, former president of Indiana Federation of Republican Women, former Susan B Anthony state director, and past recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award
• Wendi Szabo, former LP candidate for Royaltown, New York, Town Council, acting chair LP-Niagara County, and 2024 ter Maat campaign affiliate liaison director
• Charlie Tilton, Texas high school teacher and retired Green Beret
• Eric Waterman, former chief of staff at Valley Medical Center in Seattle and 2024 ter Maat campaign advisor
• Mike Webb, 2025 candidate for Arlington Virginia School Board & US Army Ranger Major (retired)

ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN LIBERTY CAUCUS
The RLC is a grassroots organization working within the Republican Party to advance the principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.

ABOUT MIKE TER MAAT
The Libertarian Party nominee for VP in 2024, Mike ran for Congress (FL-20) in 2022 and served as a police officer from 2010 through 2021 in Broward County. Mike’s prior career in economics included work with commercial banks, the White House, and international agencies, as well as a decade advocating for competitive financial service markets before running his professional education and consulting firm from 2002 to 2009. Mike holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA from RPI, and MS and PhD degrees in Economics from GWU. He has taught economics at three universities and substituted at dozens of public schools.

MEDIA INQUIRIES AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Corey Fauconier
corey@miketermaat.com
(973) 901-6481
miketermaat.com

John Dennis
chair@rlc.org

The 2024 Senate Liberty Index: Champions of Liberty in Congress

By
Matt Nye
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The recently released 2024 Liberty Index reveals a striking contrast within the Republican Party. While Senators Rand Paul (KY) and Mike Lee (UT) achieved perfect 100% liberty scores for consistently voting to protect individual rights and limit government overreach, the average Republican Senator scored just 46%.

These numbers tell a powerful story: the principles that should define the Republican Party are being upheld by a dedicated few, while many establishment Republicans continue supporting bloated government spending, warrantless surveillance, and foreign interventionism.

The complete 2024 Senate Liberty Index, including detailed vote breakdowns and methodology, is available at Liberty Index 2024 – US Senate.

This is precisely why the Republican Liberty Caucus exists – to bring the GOP back to its foundational values.

The 2024 Liberty Index: A Revealing Look at Congress’s Liberty Champions and Pretenders

By
Matt Nye
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RLC Liberty Index 2024 - House

The Republican Liberty Caucus has released its 2024 Liberty Index, providing a comprehensive analysis of how Republican members of Congress voted on crucial liberty issues throughout the year. The results paint a stark picture of the divide between true liberty advocates and those who merely pay lip service to limited government principles.

The Liberty Index examined 20 pivotal votes affecting individual rights, limited government, and free markets. From government spending and surveillance to foreign intervention and free speech, these votes represented key moments where Representatives could either stand for liberty or embrace big government.

Key Findings:
The average Republican score was a disappointing 34 out of 100, revealing that most GOP members routinely vote against liberty principles despite their campaign rhetoric. However, a small group of Representatives consistently defended liberty, with Kentucky’s Thomas Massie and Arizona’s Andy Biggs leading the pack at 102 points each (including bonus points for sponsoring pro-liberty legislation).
Top Performers:

Thomas Massie (KY) – 102
Andy Biggs (AZ) – 102
Eli Crane (AZ) – 97
Scott Perry (PA) – 97
Matt Rosendale (MT) – 97
Chip Roy (TX) – 97
Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) – 96
Bob Good (VA) – 92

The Index revealed particularly concerning voting patterns on fiscal issues. Multiple continuing resolutions and omnibus spending bills passed with significant Republican support, despite adding to our $36 trillion national debt. Additionally, Republicans frequently sided with leadership on bills expanding government surveillance powers and sending billions in foreign aid abroad.

Critical votes analyzed included:

  • The $468 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act
  • FISA reauthorization and warrantless surveillance
  • Multiple continuing resolutions funding government at record levels
  • $97 billion in foreign aid packages
  • Federal Reserve oversight and restrictions

    • What’s particularly notable about the top performers is their consistency across different types of liberty issues. Whether the vote involved spending, privacy, foreign policy, or regulatory matters, these Representatives maintained their commitment to constitutional principles.
    The Liberty Index serves as an essential tool for holding Representatives accountable to their promises of supporting limited government and individual rights. It cuts through campaign rhetoric to show exactly how members voted when it mattered most.

    Looking ahead to 2025, the RLC will continue monitoring these crucial votes and providing transparency about which Representatives truly stand for liberty. The complete Liberty Index, including detailed vote breakdowns and methodology, is available at Liberty Index 2024 – US House.

    For liberty advocates and constituents looking to hold their Representatives accountable, this index provides clear, actionable data about who genuinely fights for limited government principles and who simply talks about them during campaign season.

    IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Protect Your Privacy Rights

    By
    Jessico Bowman
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    Protect Your Privacy Rights - oppose the reauthorization of FISA

    This is a critical moment for our constitutional rights, as the House of Representatives is poised to vote imminently on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This controversial statute has been criticized for infringing on citizens’ privacy without sufficient oversight.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson and certain members of the GOP leadership have been resistant to introducing necessary reforms to this legislation, opting instead for a direct reauthorization that fails to address key constitutional concerns.

    Adding insult to injury, Congressman Thomas Massie posted on Twitter “Congress gives itself a carve-out in the reauthorization of FISA 702 warrantless spying on Americans.

    The bill requires the FBI to notify and seek consent from Congress before violating the privacy of Congressmen.”

    Congressman Massie then posted this critical question: “Ask yourself: If there’s nothing wrong or unconstitutional in this program, why does Congress want a carve-out for itself?”

    TAKE ACTION

    It is imperative that you, as a constituent, reach out to your U.S. Representative and your Senators. Make your voice heard: assert your opposition to the reauthorization of FISA as it stands, a move that would continue to jeopardize our privacy rights.

    Moreover, I encourage you to advocate for the consideration and passage of S. 3372, the “Fourth Amendment Restoration and Protection Act,” championed by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). This pivotal piece of legislation promises to reinforce the safeguarding of Americans’ rights as enshrined in the Fourth Amendment by curtailing unwarranted government surveillance—including activities permitted under FISA.

    The introduction of S. 3372 represents a positive stride towards re-establishing the integrity of the Fourth Amendment and curtailing unauthorized surveillance of American citizens. Your representatives in Congress need to hear from you: the time to reinforce our constitutional protections is now.

    Please contact your representatives and insist that they REJECT ANY REAUTHORIZATION OF FISA that does not include substantial reforms and DECLARE YOUR SUPPORT for S. 3372, the “Fourth Amendment Restoration and Protection Act.” Your action can make a decisive difference in the fight to preserve our constitutional liberties.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are defended.

    CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

    CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR SENATORS

    Rand Paul scores “100” on RLC US Senate Liberty Index – Again!

    By
    Matt Nye
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    The Republican Liberty Caucus has published its 2023 liberty-focused scorecard for the U.S. Senate.

    The Liberty Index scores Republican Senators on 20 pivotal bills/votes from 2023 that either advance liberty or diminish liberty. For information on the bills selected, see the bill explanations on pages three and four of the document.

    The Liberty Score is obtained by calculating the percentage that a Senator votes in line with the RLC. For example, the highest possible Liberty Score is 100. This is achieved if a Senator voted with the RLC 100% of the time.

    A high score on this scorecard does not equate to an automatic endorsement from the RLC. This scorecard simply evaluates the voting record of each Republican Senator during the 2023 calendar year.

    The Top Defenders of Liberty demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of individual liberty, limited government and free markets. This means they voted against wasteful spending, they stood up for our constitutional rights, they voted to repeal unneeded laws/regulations, and they supported a non-interventionist foreign policy that keeps American troops out of undeclared wars.

    Senator Rand Paul was the only Senator who earned a perfect score of 100. Other top scorers were Mike Braun (95) and Mike Lee (90). J.D. Vance was the highest scoring freshman Senator (85).

    Liberty Index 2023 – RLC Sc… by RepublicanLibertyCaucus

    Rep Thomas Massie (KY) earns perfect score on RLC Liberty Index

    By
    System Administrator
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    The Republican Liberty Caucus has published its 2023 liberty-focused scorecard for the U.S. House.

    The Liberty Index scores Republican members of Congress on 20 pivotal bills/votes from 2023 that either advance liberty or diminish liberty. For information on the bills selected, see the bill explanations on pages three and four of the document.

    The Liberty Score is obtained by calculating the percentage that a Representative votes in line with the RLC. For example, the highest possible Liberty Score is 100. This is achieved if a Representative voted with the RLC 100% of the time. Bonus points are also available (see the list of bills).

    A high score on this scorecard does not equate to an automatic endorsement from the RLC. This scorecard simply evaluates the voting record of each Republican member of Congress during the 2023 calendar year.

    The Top Defenders of Liberty demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of individual liberty, limited government and free markets. This means they voted against wasteful spending, they stood up for our constitutional rights, they voted to repeal unneeded laws/regulations, and they supported a non-interventionist foreign policy that keeps American troops out of undeclared wars.

    This year only one Representative earned a perfect score: Congressman Thomas Massie. Congressmen Andy Biggs and Eli Crane also earned exceptional scores, at a nearly perfect 97. Other top scorers included Andrew Ogles (95), Anna Paulina Luna (94), Alex Mooney (94), Matt Gaetz (92), Bob Good (92), Paul Goasr (92), Scott Perry (92) Matt Rosendale (92), and Dan Bishop (91).

    Liberty Index 2023 – RLC Sc… by RLC-AZ

    The Republican Liberty Caucus endorses Alex Mooney for U.S. Senate in West Virginia

    By
    Jessico Bowman
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    The Republican Liberty Caucus endorses Alex Mooney for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.
    The Republican Liberty Caucus endorses Alex Mooney for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    The Republican Liberty Caucus endorses Alex Mooney for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.

    (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) The board of the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) voted to endorse Alex Mooney for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.

    “West Virginia’s senate race in 2024 presents a unique opportunity to replace a Democrat with a true, liberty-minded conservative,” said RLC Chairman John Dennis. “Congressman Alex Mooney has a consistent, pro-liberty record. As a proven defender of freedom he has the full endorsement of the Republican Liberty Caucus.”

    Rep. Alex Mooney’s principled record is evident on the 2022 Liberty Index, the Republican Liberty Caucus’ annual legislative scorecard. Mooney was recognized as a “Top Defender of Liberty” by earning a nearly perfect Liberty Score of 90.

    Mooney has been a tireless advocate for the same principles the Republican Liberty Caucus fights for every day: smaller government, individual rights and free markets. He’ll continue to stand up for liberty in the Senate, alongside Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee.

    ——

    ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN LIBERTY CAUCUS (RLC)
    The Republican Liberty Caucus is a 527 voluntary grassroots membership organization dedicated to working within the Republican Party to advance the principles of individual rights, limited government and free markets. Founded in 1991, it is the oldest continuously-operating organization within the Liberty Republican movement.

    Contact: secretary@rlc.org

    Five House Republicans earn perfect score on RLC Liberty Index

    By
    Matt Nye
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    Liberty Index 2022 - House

    The Republican Liberty Caucus has published its annual liberty-focused scorecard for the U.S. House.

    The Liberty Index scores Republican members of Congress on 20 pivotal bills/votes from 2022 that either advance liberty or diminish liberty. For information on the bills selected, see the bill explanations on pages three and four of the document.

    A green number one indicates that the Representative voted with the RLC on that bill. A red number zero indicates the Representative voted against the RLC position on that bill. “NV” means the Representative was absent and did not vote. Absences are scored the same as a vote against the RLC position. “NA” means the Representative was not in office at that time. Members of Congress who were not in office the full year were only scored on votes during their tenure.

    The Liberty Score is obtained by calculating the percentage that a Representative votes in line with the RLC. For example, the highest possible Liberty Score is 100. This is achieved if a Representative voted with the RLC 100% of the time.

    A high score on this scorecard does not equate to an automatic endorsement from the RLC. This scorecard simply evaluates the voting record of each Republican member of Congress during the 2022 calendar year.

    Congratulations to Congressmen Andy Biggs, Dan Bishop, Thomas Massie, Chip Roy and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who each earned a perfect score of 100 on the 2022 Liberty Index!

    Liberty Index 2022 – RLC Sc… by RLC-AZ

    Rand Paul scores perfect “100” on RLC US Senate Liberty Index

    By
    Matt Nye
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    Rep Andy Biggs, Senator Rand Paul & Senator Lee

    The Republican Liberty Caucus has published its annual liberty-focused scorecard for the U.S. Senate.

    The Liberty Index scores Republican Senators on 20 pivotal bills/votes from 2022 that either advance liberty or diminish liberty. Green bills are pro-liberty bills supported by the RLC. Red bills are anti-liberty bills opposed by the RLC.

    For information on the bills selected, see the bill explanations on pages three and four of the document.

    A green number one indicates that the Senator voted with the RLC on that bill. A red number zero indicates the Senator voted against the RLC position on that bill. “NV” means the Senator was absent and did not vote. Absences are scored the same as a vote against the RLC position.

    The Liberty Score is obtained by calculating the percentage that a Senator votes in line with the RLC. For example, the highest possible Liberty Score is 100. This is achieved if a Senator voted with the RLC 100% of the time.

    A high score on this scorecard does not equate to an automatic endorsement from the RLC. This scorecard simply evaluates the voting record of each Republican Senator during the 2022 calendar year.

    Congratulations to Senator Rand Paul for earning a perfect score of 100 on the 2022 Liberty Index! Senators Mike Lee and Mike Braun were also top scorers at 95.

    Liberty Index 2022 – RLC Sc… by RLC-AZ

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