This story was originally published on June 10, 2019, after Michigan Republican Rep. Justin Amash left the conservative Freedom Caucus. It has been updated to reflect his July 4 departure from the Republican Party.

(CNN) When the House Freedom Caucus was formed back in January 2015, here's the mission statement the group released:

"The House Freedom Caucus gives a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them. We support open, accountable and limited government, the Constitution and the rule of law, and policies that promote the liberty, safety, and prosperity of all Americans."

One of the nine founding members of the Freedom Caucus was Michigan Rep. Justin Amash , who had distinguished himself in Congress with his libertarian leanings, unswerving commitment to the Constitution, and efforts to combat the rising US debt. Amash's voting record is regularly one of the most conservative in the House; in 2018, he had a perfect 100% on the Club for Growth vote scorecard , and he has a 99% lifetime score.

In short: Amash is the perfect poster boy for the Freedom Caucus: An unapologetic conservative who is willing to stand up to an establishment GOP which too often compromises rather than fighting on principle.

Which makes Amash's decision to resign from the Freedom Caucus on Monday night all the more telling. "I have the highest regard for them and they're my close friends," Amash told CNN's Haley Byrd of his decision to quit. "I didn't want to be a further distraction for the group."

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