GOP leaders in the US House have punished another defiant colleague. This time he's from North Carolina.
House Republican leaders have demoted second-term Rep. Mark Meadows in their bid to impose party discipline on procedural votes.
The 11th District congressman lost his subcommittee chairmanship shortly after Speaker John Boehner expressed anger over rank-and-file Republicans voting against party-backed "rules" governing individual bills. Such votes traditionally divide along partisan lines and are seen as matters of party loyalty.
Meadows was among 34 Republicans who voted against a recent rule that allowed consideration of "fast track" trade negotiating powers for President. GOP leaders support the bill.
Meadows said in a statement: "No one should be punished for voting their conscience and representing their constituents."