Committees

Pete serves on the following committees:

Committee on Ways and Means, Member

Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over all issues related to taxes, trade and public assistance. The Committee oversees Social Security programs such as old age, survivor, disability, and unemployment insurance, Medicare, family and child welfare programs, and other social services. The Committee also oversees the Internal Revenue Code, customs duties, tariffs, and import fees and provides budget authorization for the US Customs Service, the International Trade Commission and the US Trade Representative. As defined in the Constitution, all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. This is the duty of the Committee on Ways and Means.

        Subcommittee on Health, Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Health oversees the Medicare program and programs providing payments for health care, health delivery systems, and health research. The Subcommittee also oversees the tax credit and deduction provisions of the Internal Revenue Code dealing with health insurance premiums and health care costs.

        Subcommittee on Human Resources, Member

Subcommittee on Human Resources oversees the public assistance provisions of the Social Security Act including welfare reform, supplemental security income, aid to families with dependent children, social services, child support, eligibility of welfare recipients for food stamps, and low-income energy assistance. The Subcommittee also oversees the Federal-State system of unemployment compensation and financing, including programs for extended and emergency benefits.

Joint Economic Committee, Ranking Member

Joint Economic Committee is one of only four Joint Committees of Congress which means it is composed of Members from both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 5 House Members and 5 Senators on the JEC. The JEC was established by the Employment Act of 1946 and its main purpose is to make a continuing study of matters relating to the US economy. The Committee holds hearings, performs research, and is a resource for Members of Congress.