Washington, DC – Today, House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) issued the following statement after the House Republican Conference ratified the GOP Steering Committee’s recommendation that he serve as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in the 113th Congress.
 
“I am honored that my House Republican colleagues have chosen me to serve as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee next Congress.  As our economy continues to struggle, the Committee’s priority must be advancing policies that create a climate where businesses begin investing and employers begin hiring once again.  To that end, I remain committed to the Committee’s work toward comprehensive tax reform that began with our very first hearing in the 112th Congress.  Strengthening our economy and creating more American jobs requires us to aggressively pursue every opportunity to sell American-made goods and services.  We will keep pursuing new opportunities in the global marketplace while enforcing our rights and holding our trading partners accountable.  
 
“In the 113th Congress, the Committee will also continue its work to strengthen our entitlement programs so they are safeguarded for future generations, perform better for taxpayers and enhance services for those in need.   Our welfare, unemployment and health care programs provide a critical safety net.  However, these programs, especially health care, are contributing an increasing amount to our unsustainable deficits and debt.  Reforms should not only improve programs like Social Security and Medicare, but they must also bring down costs.
 
“Our country faces great challenges, and meeting those challenges will require that we work together.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to accomplish these important goals in the coming Congress.”