Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Tim Huelskamp (R-Kansas) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) sent a letter to Boehner asking for "a full and complete written explanation of the rationale for removing us from our current committee assignments, including any 'scorecards' presented to the Steering Committee to justify our removals."

“Two days ago I asked House GOP Leadership to explain why we were taken off key committees, but my questions have gone unanswered,” Huelskamp said in a statement. “Not only do I deserve answers, but the people of Kansas deserve to know as well. And, my colleagues who have been safe so far should know to how they can avoid retribution in the future. After all, the entire GOP conference was warned last week that leadership is watching their votes as well."

All three lawmakers were reportedly punished for bucking House leaders on important votes. Amash and Huelskamp were removed from the Budget Committee, while Schweikert was kicked off the Agriculture panel.

The removals have become a brewing controversy within the Republican ranks, with Tea Party groups and organizations like the Club for Growth rallying to their defense...

...Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), who was removed from the Financial Services committee, did not sign the letter.