WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) has been named Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) announced today. As Vice Chairman, Congressman Buchanan will use his vast experience with the Committee and from the private sector to ensure Ways and Means delivers on the priorities of the American people, including tax relief, economic growth, affordable and accessible health care, protecting and strengthening Social Security, welfare reform, and opening up global markets for American products.

“Vern brings an invaluable level of knowledge and expertise to the Vice Chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Smith. “His experience serving as the lead Republican on nearly all of our subcommittees, as well as his background as a business owner and entrepreneur will help ensure the Committee speaks to the needs of America’s small businesses and job creators. I look forward to working closely with Vern as we deliver for the American people, strengthen our economy, grow jobs and wages, and create greater financial, energy, food, and health care security for working families.”

“I look forward to working with Chairman Smith and my fellow Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our country,” said Vice Chairman Buchanan. “We need to get our economy back on track, and that starts with combatting the Democrats’ radical agenda that is bankrupting our country and killing the budgets of American families and small businesses. The Ways and Means Committee will also be on the front lines for enacting pro-growth policies that create jobs and revitalize the economy.”