U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.-02) Thursday announced she will serve on the influential House Committee on Ways and Means in the 115th Congress. The tax-writing panel will play a key role as Congress takes action on tax reform, Obamacare, and the nation’s economic policies.
“I am honored to join the House Ways and Means Committee and eager to tackle some of our nation’s biggest challenges,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “We have a historic opportunity to enact lasting economic reforms that will benefit all Americans.
“I look forward to working with Chairman Brady and our colleagues to fix our broken tax code, repeal and replace Obamacare, help individuals and families lift themselves out of poverty, and expand opportunities for businesses to grow and create good jobs for American workers.
“Indiana’s 2nd District is a vital center of manufacturing, agriculture, and innovation, and I am grateful the hardworking Hoosiers I represent will have a voice in these critical debates.”
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas-08) welcomed Walorski and two other Members, Congressmen David Schweikert (R-Ariz.-06) and Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.-26), to the committee.
“David, Jackie, and Carlos are excellent additions to the Ways and Means Committee,” Chairman Brady said. “They are joining our team at a historic moment as we move forward on pro-growth tax reform, repealing Obamacare, and ensuring Americans finally have access to affordable care.
“Each of our new Members has the perfect mix of policy expertise and real world experience. Most importantly, they understand exactly how the decisions we make at our Committee impact the lives of people across our country.
“As a former state representative and now a Member of Congress, Jackie has repeatedly led the way on legislation that will grow our economy, increase wages, and help lift more Americans out of poverty.
“With a full roster, Ways and Means Republicans are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on President-elect Trump’s and the American people’s top priorities.”
BACKGROUND
The House Steering Committee is responsible for recommending Members to serve on standing Committees in the House of Representatives. The recommendations are subject to approval by the House Republican Conference on Friday, January 6. Walorski was selected to fill the Ways and Means Committee seat vacated by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).
The Ways and Means Committee is the oldest standing committee in the House of Representatives. It is the chief tax-writing panel in the House and has jurisdiction over federal revenue; Medicare, Social Security, and other social programs; trade agreements; and many other policies critical to the nation’s economy.
Walorski has previously served on the Armed Services Committee, Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Budget Committee, and Agriculture Committee.
As chair of the Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition, Walorski helped lead a two-year review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a series of 16 hearings the subcommittee and full committee examined the past, present, and future of the anti-hunger program to identify successes and areas in need of improvement.
