Washington, DC – Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) issued the following statement in response to the announced retirement of fellow Committee member Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA) at the end of the 112th Congress.
 
“As the most senior Republican member of this Committee, Wally has served in nearly every capacity and has overseen some of the Committee’s most critical work and notable accomplishments.  As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Resources, he helped to shape welfare reform policy, reduce government dependence and ensure that children were provided resources to lift them out of poverty.  During his time as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Trade, Wally worked tirelessly to advance a trade agenda that opened new doors of commerce for the United States and expanded job opportunities for our workers.  Finally, as both Ranking Member and currently as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Wally has helped lead the effort against the Democrats’ health care law while also pursuing efforts to protect and strengthen Medicare for the future.  Looking beyond his tremendous legislative service and contributions as a long-serving Member of the Ways and Means Committee, Wally is a personal friend whose kindness, approachability and respect for his constituents and colleagues are emblematic of a true public servant.  I look forward to working with him throughout 2012 to advance the committee’s agenda for economic growth.  On behalf of the Ways and Means Committee, I wish Wally and his family the very best.”