Meehan Appointed to House Ways and Means Committee

Tax-Writing Panel Considered “One of the Most Important in Congress”

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-7) was named to the House Ways and Means Committee for the 114th Congress.

The Ways and Means Committee, which the Philadelphia Inquirer calls “one of the most important in all of Congress,” is the tax-writing panel in the House of Representatives. Its jurisdiction also covers Medicare, Social Security, trade, health care and benefits for needy families.

“Ways and Means will play a key role in growing our economy and creating jobs,” Meehan said. “Ways and Means will lead the way in simplifying our tax code and leveling the playing field for American workers. It will hold government, particularly the IRS, accountable to the hardworking taxpayers who pay for it. It will safeguard Social Security and Medicare for Pennsylvania seniors. I’m honored to be named to the committee and grateful for the confidence my colleagues have shown me.” 

In the 114th Congress, Meehan will join Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) as one of two Pennsylvanians serving on the tax-writing committee. Congressman Jim Gerlach currently serves on the committee and did not run for re-election to his House seat. Committee assignments are made by the House GOP Steering Committee, a panel comprised of leaders, committee chairs and regional representatives.

Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-1), the incoming Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, praised Meehan’s appointment.

“With so many important issues facing the 114th Congress, I am excited that we’ll have a strong leader like Pat Meehan on the Ways and Means Committee,” Ryan said. “Pat will help us tackle our biggest challenges, like reforming our broken tax code, strengthening the social safety net, and pursuing patient-centered health care reforms.”

“Pat is a dedicated public servant who is committed to serving the constituents of Pennsylvania’s 7th District, and I’m looking forward to working with him during the next session of Congress.”

Meehan, a former U.S. Attorney and Delaware County district attorney, was first elected to Congress in 2010. As the current chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s cybersecurity subcommittee, Meehan worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan chemical security and cybersecurity protection legislation through the House of Representatives this year.

Meehan said, “I’ll bring that same bipartisan, solutions-focused spirit to Ways and Means so we can grow our economy and create good jobs in Pennsylvania. I’m looking forward to working with Chairman Ryan and my other colleagues on the committee to address the challenges our nation faces.”