Bob Goodrich debates U.S. Rep. Justin Amash

U.S. Rep. Justin Amash speaks during a debate Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich.

(MLive.com File Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nine House Republicans, including West Michigan's Justin Amash, founded a new caucus this week to champion the passage of conservative legislation.

Members of the group, called the House Freedom Caucus, say they will promote an agenda of limited government backed by the Constitution. Amash, R-Cascade Township, is one of its first members.

"The House Freedom Caucus gives a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them," says its statement, posted Monday on Amash's Facebook page.

"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."

Other Republican members include U.S. Reps. Scott Garrett, of New Jersey; Jim Jordan of Ohio; John Fleming of Louisiana; Matt Salmon of Arizona; Raúl Labrador of Idaho; Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina; Ron DeSantis of Florida and Mark Meadows of North Carolina.

Each lawmaker is known for their more unyielding conservative views, including Amash, who routinely breaks from the party line to support more independent and libertarian ideals. Earlier this month, he cast the only "present" vote on Keystone XL pipeline legislation because it singled out an individual company.

"A bill should not specially exempt one company from laws," Amash wrote at the time. "That's precisely what today's bill does."

Building the House Liberty Caucus has been one of Amash's proudest moments during Congress' previous term, he told MLive in a previous interview. It consists of libertarian-leaning legislators.

Politico reports the House Freedom Caucus will serve as an alternative to the Republican Study Committee, which lobbies leadership for more conservative legislation. It will be an invitation-only group, with around 30 members solicited.

Should 29 lawmakers join the roster, the caucus could potentially block legislation that it doesn't support, according to Politico.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.