But the freshmen tell a different story of how they came to support the bill, one born out of listening sessions with leadership, an evolution in understanding the economic consequences of a default and opportunities to vote their priorities on the House floor. And, they say, their leadership was able to make them feel enough like valued members that when the time for tough votes came, they were ready to be team players in lending their support.

“I think increasingly we feel a part of a body,” says Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.), a freshman ophthalmologist with no prior political experience who defeated a Democrat in a swing district last year. “You don’t know what you don’t know until you arrive here in the Capitol.”…

But while the freshmen justify their Monday evening votes, they are starting to sound a little bit like Washington dealmakers.

“The speaker has given the freshmen class everything we’ve asked for,” said Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), a nurse and political newcomer who was elected without support from the national party but has been a strong supporter of their efforts in the debt ceiling negotiations. “I have no reason to be indifferent.”