Congressman Lee appointed to influential Ways and Means Committee

Genesee County's congressional representative Chris Lee (R-26) has been appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, perhaps the most significant committee in Congress.

Ways and Means is the chief committee for any revenue-related issues and reviews a broad range of legislation. It is among the most sought-after committee appointments in the house.

Members of Ways and Means are prohibited from serving on other congressional committees.

Lee is beginning his second term representing New York's 26th Congressional District.

Full press release after the jump:

Lee Appointed to Influential Ways and Means Committee Seat on Powerful Panel Gives Lawmaker Greater Voice to Help Strengthen the Economy and Create Jobs in Western New York and Across the Country

WASHINGTON – Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) today was appointed to the influential House Ways and Means Committee for the incoming 112th Congress. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Lee will play a greater role in efforts to jumpstart our economy and create jobs. Lee has served on the Financial Services Committee since coming to Congress last year.

The Ways and Means Committee is widely considered the most powerful committee in Congress and formulates the nation’s policies and laws on taxes, trade, welfare, Medicare, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and other important issues vital to both the short- and long-term economic security of our nation.

“I’m honored to have been selected to join my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, and am committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to strengthen the economy and get more of our neighbors back to work,” said Rep. Lee.

“As a businessman I know firsthand what it takes for small businesses to succeed and create jobs, and I look forward to working with Chairman Camp and my Democrat and Republican colleagues to continue the fight to allow hardworking Western New York taxpayers keep more of what they earn and get government off the backs of small businesses that are struggling to succeed.”

“I’d like to congratulate Chris Lee on being selected for the Committee on Ways and Means,” said incoming Chairman Dave Camp (MI-4). “Since coming to Congress last year, Chris has used his experience in the private sector to be a leader on a number of issues critical to job creation. I look forward to him serving on the committee and I know he will continue to serve his constituents well in this new role.”

Lee joins a long line of New York State Republicans to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, dating back to Congressmen Daniel A. Reed (1947-1959) in the modern era. Congressman Reed was followed by Congressmen Steven B. Derounian (1961-1965), Barber B. Conable (1967-1985), Raymond J. McGrath (1985-1993), Amo Houghton (1993-2005), and finally, Thomas M. Reynolds (2005-2009).

One of the issues Lee looks to immediately bring to the committee is a manufacturing agenda he has put forward to return highly skilled, well paying jobs back to the United States.

Lee’s “Manufacturing for Tomorrow” agenda takes a multi-pronged approach to solving America’s jobs crisis and strengthening manufacturing in Western New York. Putting our economy back on the right track will require an innovative, thoughtful and long-term approach to make America competitive again.

Congressman Lee’s 5-point jobs plan includes (1) a more competitive tax code, (2) improved education and training in engineering fields, (3) liability reform to curb job-killing lawsuit abuse, (4) ending customs red-tape and (5) creating U.S. jobs and expanding American-made exports through the opening of new markets.

Lee's appointment, approved today by the House Republican Steering Committee – a panel comprised of elected leadership, committee chairs, regional representatives and incoming first-term members – is expected to be ratified by the entire House Republican caucus in the coming days.