Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, today was assigned to the prestigious House Ways and Means Committee for the 111th Congress.

“The Ways and Means Committee will oversee many of the most pressing issues impacting Louisiana and our country as a new Administration begins,” Boustany said.  “We must make America competitive again, which requires low tax burdens and solutions to rising healthcare costs.  In addition, new markets must be sought for U.S. produced goods.  Opportunities exist to help businesses and their employees prosper, and I look forward to helping America achieve its potential.”

The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over revenue-generating measures, which includes tax policy, trade and entitlement programs including Social Security and Medicaid.  Boustany will be the only Republican doctor on the Committee.

“Rep. Boustany will play a key leadership role on the Ways & Means Committee, particularly in areas of health care policy,” said House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH).  “His experience as a physician has made him one of the House’s most important voices on health care issues that impact every American – from our youngest children to our nation’s seniors.  As middle-class families across America struggle to keep their health insurance and taxpayers face ever-increasing costs for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, the Ways & Means Committee will find itself at the center of this important debate.  I am pleased Rep. Boustany will have a seat at the table.”

“Rep. Boustany is a proven leader and I look forward to working with him on the Ways and Means Committee,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Dave Camp (R-MI).  “His experience as a doctor will be invaluable as we work to help American families struggling with rising costs and access problems.”