Pompeo, Yoder, and Jenkins Tapped to Join Top House Committees in Next Congress

WASHINGTON – The storyline throughout 2010 read that with Kansas losing three House Members to retirement or a shift to the Senate, the state was set to take a step back when it came to influence on Capitol Hill. Well, you might want to take another look, because the initial round of committee selection has, in fact, granted the great state of Kansas tremendous clout in the incoming Congress. For the first time in decades, and perhaps ever, Kansas will have a Member of Congress on each of the top three House Committees.  

Thursday night, it was announced that three Kansas lawmakers would be joining “A” committees in the 112^th Congress. Congressman-elect Kevin Yoder (KS-03) was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman-elect Mike Pompeo (KS-04), to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), to the House Ways and Means Committee.  The trio of two freshmen and one sophomore who stand to exhibit remarkable influence in the 112^th Congress released the following statements. 

“It is an honor to be selected to serve on this critical committee and to be a part of such a strong Kansas delegation," said Congressman-elect Kevin Yoder. "The American people spoke loud and clear on November 2nd-they want to limit the size of government, reduce the tax burden and help small businesses create jobs.  It's time we get our nation's fiscal house in order and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves alongside my colleagues to do just that." 

 “As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I will fight to open markets for the aviation industry in Kansas, preserve telecommunications competition, repeal Obamacare, and secure America's energy future,” Pompeo said.  “I look forward to working with the rest of the Kansas delegation as we help lead our nation in a positive direction.”

 “This is a great day for the people of Kansas and I am humbled to be placed into a position to help craft legislation that can get Kansans back to work.” Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins said. “As the Dean of the Kansas House delegation and a new Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I look forward to working with Rep.-Elect Yoder and Rep.-Elect Pompeo as well as Rep.-Elect Tim Huelskamp to develop responsible measures that will create private sector jobs, shrink the size, scope and cost of the Federal Government, and bring common sense Kansas values to Washington.” 

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