“It’s been quite a few things,” Nugent, a second-term congressman and former county sheriff, said in a recent interview, referring to the retribution he’s been subject to. Asked whether he would like to make amends, he said, “It’s all up to them.”

For the first time in years, Republican leaders feel they have the political capital to truly fight back against a small group of dissenters within their ranks. Senior members of GOP leadership say they are finally ready to impose the no-nonsense management style they’ve long believed in, but resisted from fully instituting.

Congressional perks must be earned. Trips abroad are a privilege, not a right. And good luck getting legislation if you cross leadership.

That’s not it. Failing to pay member “dues” to the National Republican Congressional Committee could cost a committee gavel.

Senior GOP leadership figures repeated the same line: The right-wing dissenters want all the perks but none of the the responsibility of being in the majority.