There are a few uncomfortable truths about the House Freedom Caucus — and the upcoming Congress, where Republicans will have unified control of government, will test them all.
The first truth is there’s a sweet spot in a House Republican majority for the Freedom Caucus to be most effective. The HFC wants Republicans to be in the majority, but if the GOP controls too many seats — like, say, a 30-seat margin — Republican leaders can overcome Freedom Caucus objections.
Of course, if the majority is too thin, almost any Republican has veto power. (House Republicans are looking at starting the next Congress with just a one- or two-seat cushion on votes.)