WASHINGTON, D.C. – After convening the Ways and Means Committee for its official Organizational Meeting for the 119th Congress, Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement announcing the Committee’s subcommittee chair assignments for the 119th Congress:
“The Ways and Means Committee is blessed with leaders that bring an unparalleled expertise and knowledge to the committee’s work.
“Chairman Kelly’s leadership – including his integral role in developing and facilitating the work of our 10 Tax Teams over the past year – has put our Committee in a position to deliver on President Trump’s economic agenda and to extend and build upon the 2017 Trump tax cuts as swiftly as possible.
“For the past two years under Chairman Schweikert’s work, we have held the Biden Administration accountable and exposed the rot within portions of the tax-exempt sector, laying the groundwork for more to be done in the new year on ensuring bad actors – including terrorist organizations – are not able to abuse America’s tax code. Chairman Schweikert has also focused the committee’s attention toward critical reform initiatives – including efforts to modernize the IRS, combat fraud in our health care system, and monitor the Treasury Department’s federal debt management practices.
“With trade policy being a cornerstone of President Trump’s economic agenda, I look forward to working with Chairman Smith to continue our committee’s efforts to prioritize the interests of American workers and businesses, combat China’s unfair trade practices, stand up for America’s farmers, and hold our trading partners accountable.
“Our nation’s seniors deserve a safe and secure retirement and all beneficiaries – including those with disabilities – deserve a Social Security program that is responsive to their needs. Under Chairman Estes, Republicans will continue to keep our commitment to protecting and preserving the promise of Social Security.
“Under Chairman LaHood, we enacted a first-in-a-generation reauthorization and modernization of our child welfare programs – helping to ensure vulnerable families and children have the resources they need to succeed. We held the first ever U.S. House standing committee hearing in a homeless shelter to focus attention on policies that will lift more Americans out of poverty. In the days to come, we will advance reforms that improve the lives of millions of Americans, weed out fraud in our unemployment insurance program, and promote the dignity of work.
“Too many Americans – including many living in rural communities – lack access to health care. Under Chairman Buchanan, the committee has and will continue to pursue pro-patient, pro-innovation policies that break down barriers to care and make health care more flexible and affordable.
“I am grateful for our subcommittee chairmen and the role they will play in crafting solutions to support working families and America’s seniors, grow our economy, and hold the Washington bureaucracy accountable.”
Subcommittee on Health
Chairman Vern Buchanan (FL-16)
“As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I’m committed to promoting investments in preventive care and healthy lifestyles to combat the nation’s chronic disease epidemic and ultimately help people live longer, healthier and happier lives,” said Health Subcommittee Chairman Buchanan (FL-16). “As a businessman who spent 30 years building successful companies and creating thousands of jobs, I know from personal experience the challenges posed to businesses and families across the country by rising health insurance costs, declining affordability and burdensome regulations. With health care spending in the U.S. reaching nearly $5 trillion annually, it’s critical that we focus on returning health care to a patient-oriented system that encourages innovation and increases personalized care options. I’m excited to get to work with President Trump and Secretary-designate Kennedy to Make America Healthy Again.”
Subcommittee on Oversight
Chairman David Schweikert (AZ-01)
“I could not be more eager to continue our diligent work while serving as the Chairman of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee for the 119th Congress,” said Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Schweikert (AZ-01). “My last Congress as Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee focused on overseeing the IRS and serving as a voice for American taxpayers, promoting common-sense reforms that put taxpayers first. This year, as we continue our work on that front, I am also committed to exposing fraudulent practices being exercised in our healthcare sector. Under my leadership, the Oversight Subcommittee will work with Medicare recipients to ensure the patient-physician relationship is upheld with integrity and, ultimately, puts the needs of patients first.”
Subcommittee on Social Security
Chairman Ron Estes (KS-04)
“Too many Americans have had difficulties with the Social Security Administration, including improper payments, missed payments, filing issues and other customer service failings,” said Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Estes (KS-04). “As our subcommittee convenes, I look forward to providing greater oversight of the SSA and addressing process improvements while working to ensure frontline employees are back in the office. I’m honored to lead the Social Security Subcommittee for the 119th Congress and to foster meaningful, robust discussion to preserve and protect the benefits of current, near and future retirees.”
Subcommittee on Tax
Chairman Mike Kelly (PA-16)
“As we begin the 119th Congress, I’m honored to once again chair the Ways & Means Tax Subcommittee,” said Tax Subcommittee Chairman Kelly (PA-16). “2025 will be the Super Bowl of Tax as we work to extend the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, which spurred the greatest economy the United States has seen in generations. There is a lot of work ahead, and I’m ready to work with President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Chairman Smith to fulfill the mandate set forth by the American people.”
Subcommittee on Trade
Chairman Adrian Smith (NE-03)
“I am honored to lead the Subcommittee on Trade in the 119th Congress and look forward to all we can accomplish,” said Trade Subcommittee Chairman Smith (NE-03). “Contrary to the Biden administration’s trade posture, congressional Republicans and President Trump must drive an aggressive agenda which stands up for American growth and innovation while securing greater market access for hardworking producers. Our relationships with trade partners hold immense untapped value, and we will lean into this opportunity to advance legislation which benefits consumers, workers, and businesses alike.”
Subcommittee on Work and Welfare
Chairman Darin LaHood (IL-16)
“It is an honor to serve as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare for the 119th Congress,” said Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman LaHood (IL-16). “Our subcommittee focuses on supporting some of the most vulnerable in society. I am dedicated to improving and strengthening child and family care while protecting United States taxpayer dollars. I look forward to working alongside Chairman Jason Smith, Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny Davis, and the rest of our colleagues to build on our bipartisan work last Congress and continue to pass critical pieces of legislation to help all Americans.”
Click here for a list of the Ways and Means Subcommittees and membership.
Click here for a list of the full Ways and Means Committee membership.