Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp sent two separate letters Friday to Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio.

In one letter, the 1st District congressman with homes in Hutchinson and Fowler sought reinstatement to the House Agriculture and Budget committees.

The second letter requested "a full and complete written explanation" by the close of business Dec. 28, regarding why Huelskamp and other legislators were removed from key committees.

Besides Huelskamp, the second letter also was signed by Reps. Justin Amash, R-Mich., and David Schweikert, R-Ariz, who were ousted, too, from committees.

Huelskamp contends he should be reinstated because:

* "The Agriculture and Budget Committees fall directly within my areas of expertise."

* He is a fifth-generation farmer with a doctorate degree in "Agriculture policy-making."

* The 1st District is an agricultural area with a history of representation on the Agriculture Committee.

* He brings "nearly 20 years of budget research, development, and leadership" to the Budget Committee.

The second letter, from the trio of conservative Republican House members booted from assignments, wants answers and set a deadline.

It described a haphazard way of informing the lawmakers about the Steering Committee's decision Monday to remove them from committees.

Also, the letter states: "To this date, no formal explanation has been given for the removal."

The lawmakers said they understand a "scorecard" was used to determine which House members followed Republican leadership on key voters, and which ones did not.

The congressmen demanded a copy of the scorecard.