WASHINGTON, DC – In what is described as “a small purge” has apparently taken place among Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a result, Rep. Justin Amash, who represents Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District in Washington, has been ousted from his seat on the House Budget Committee, according to the Roll Call, which covers government. Other members of the Budget Committee and the Financial Services Committee were also removed.

“It seems to me that the most likely reason I was removed was because I actually reflect the views of the public. I’ve always been independent, people like that about me, people respect that, and I think that’s what we need in Congress,” Amash said.

The move was seen as part of an effort by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to decrease the influence of very conservative members who occasionally refuse to vote with the Republican majority, not to be in line with liberals but rather because the majority was not conservative enough.

“When you look at the budget committee, I voted with the Republican side 95 percent of the time, and apparently the 5 percent of the time that I’ve had independent views or voted with the democrats is unacceptable to the leadership team…. that should serve as a message to everyone at home what kind of  a problem we have here in Washington DC,” Amash said.