ROSKAM SELECTED TO SERVE ON POWERFUL WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) today was selected by his Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives to serve on the Committee on Ways and Means.  Roskam’s move to this powerful committee is especially important to the state of Illinois, as he represents the state’s only Republican member.

“It is truly an honor to join the prestigious Committee on Ways and Means,” said Congressman Roskam. “As I take on this new responsibility, I will fight for the priorities of my District – priorities which include permanent tax relief for families and small businesses, expanding access to affordable health care, and common sense trade policies that encourage growth among manufacturers in my district.”  

Both Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) strongly extolled Roskam’s appointment.

“A leader like Peter Roskam will have an immediate impact in a committee that is set to debate some of the most important issues before Congress,” said Leader Boehner.  “Peter is known for being a tax fighter, but has the unique ability to find common sense solutions by working with his colleagues on the other side of the aisle.  He will be a great addition to this historic committee.”

“Congressman Roskam is a top-notch legislator that will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the committee,” said Ranking Member Camp.  “He is committed to finding the type of innovative solutions that will address our ailing economy and improve our health care system while keeping the tax burden low on American families.  Illinois has a strong advocate in Peter, and I look forward to the work ahead.”

Established in 1789 during the first Congress, Ways and Means is often considered the most influential committee in the House of Representatives due to its wide scope of jurisdiction which includes trade, health care, social security and taxes. Specifically, Article I, Section 7, of the Constitution states that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives, making the House Committee on Ways and Means particularly prominent.

Roskam has been a long-time advocate in providing tax relief for families and small businesses and a constant voice in the House to discourage increased federal spending.  These actions have earned Roskam the distinction of Illinois’ most fiscally responsible Member of Congress by The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. He has repeatedly garnered the title of “Hero of the Taxpayer” during his 15 years of public service. 

“As Congress prepares to debate a myriad of initiatives, including a proposed stimulus package, we must focus on policies that balance the federal budget while putting more money back into the wallets of hard working families,” continued Roskam.

During his first term in Congress, Roskam also focused on increasing access to quality and affordable health care by supporting successful public/private partnerships serving the vulnerable health populations in the 6th District in a fiscally responsible manner.  Such examples include the opening of a new community health center in Addison and working to promote community coalitions for access to health care, such as Access DuPage, which joins diverse partners together and leverages their current resources to create a continuum of care for those in need while saving taxpayer money in the long run.

“Being selected to his committee will allow me to continue working to ensure quality, competition, and cost remain a part of the broader proposal of reforming our health care system,” said Roskam.  “Americans deserve to have access to the very best care, and for it to be affordable – both which will increase the health of our citizens while lowering costs for consumers and the federal government.”

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