Washington, DC – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) was selected today to serve on the powerful and prestigious House Ways and Means Committee.  This morning, the full Democratic Caucus voted to approve the Democratic member assignment recommendations made by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for the 113^th Congress.

The House Ways and Means Committee is the chief tax-writing committee in Congress and also plays a critical role in federal legislation on trade, Social Security, and Medicare. Congresswoman Sánchez previously served on the House Ways and Means Committee in the 111^th Congress, making history in 2009 by becoming the first Latina to serve on the exclusive committee.

“It is a privilege to be back on the influential House Ways and Means Committee,” said Congresswoman Sánchez.  “The Ways and Means Committee directly impacts the issues my constituents in California care about the most—a fair tax code, strengthened Social Security and Medicare benefits, and trade policies that keep good paying jobs in this country.  I am proud to bring my constituents’ voices and their perspective to the committee as we prepare to address critical economic issues confronting our nation’s working families.”

In addition to serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Congresswoman Sánchez will also serve as the Ranking Member on the House Ethics Committee in the 113^th Congress.

Background

The House Ways and Means is the oldest standing Committee in Congress.  Because of broad jurisdiction on critical issues—economic policy, international trade, welfare, Social Security, Medicare and health care policy—the Ways and Means Committee is an indispensable part of the House Committee system.  Eight Presidents and eight Vice Presidents have served on the House Ways and Means Committee.  Twenty-one members of Ways and Means have gone on to become Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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