Smith Gains Seat on Ways and Means Committee

WASHINGTON, DC- Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) today announced Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has been named to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The committee has jurisdiction over Social Security and Medicare, tax and revenue legislation, and trade matters. Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) was named chairman of the committee yesterday.

Subcommittee assignments will be made at a later date.

"This new assignment presents a tremendous opportunity to work to open up new markets for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. The Ways and Means Committee offers the opportunity to directly impact the Death Tax, which threatens family farms and ranches, as well as advocate for Nebraska ag products to access foreign markets.

"I look forward on working to make permanent pro-growth tax policy and reform the alternative minimum tax, which creates havoc for taxpayers.

"In the coming months trade issues are going to be front and center as we work to ratify trade agreements left in limbo. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to strengthening our economy and institute policies which encourages growth instead of punishing success," Smith said.

Speaker-designate Boehner commented: "Adrian Smith brings a trusted voice to the Ways and Means Committee. His knowledge of agriculture and trade issues will serve him well as this committee deals with some of the major issues of the day."