National Taxpayers Union congratulates Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) on being elected as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). The RSC represents the more conservative members of the House and plays an integral role in advocating for limited government principles in the legislative debate. As the next Congress pursues an ambitious agenda that could include repealing and replacing Obamacare, overhauling the tax code, and enacting sweeping regulatory reforms, Chairman-elect Walker will undoubtedly be a key player on Capitol Hill.
Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President of NTU said, "In his short, yet impressive time in Congress, Chairman-elect Walker has demonstrated a strong commitment to limited government and free market principles; a trait that made him an ideal candidate for RSC chair."
NTU has been pleased to work with him on several pro-taxpayer issues. Walker was one of the primary champions of a bill to reduce taxes on products utilized by American manufacturing companies. This bill, strongly supported by NTU and a large contingent of free market organizations, was signed into law this May.
NTU supported Walker’s proposal to transfer education authority and resources from the federal government to the states. And on the important issue of health care reform, he authored legislation to block a massive bailout for insurance companies that was created under Obamacare. NTU was pleased to endorse this legislation, as well.
RSC chair is an extremely influential position, which is evidenced by an impressive list of previous RSC chairs that includes current Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA), House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), and Vice President-elect Mike Pence (R-IN).
In winning the chair, Walker defeated a worthy candidate in Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who has also been a consistent and principled advocate of limited government throughout his tenure in Congress.