Washington, D.C. – Today, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) announced changes to his senior staff team for the Committee, including naming J.P. Freire as the new Director of Communications:

“We are excited to welcome J.P. as the new head of our communications team. Throughout his years in both journalism and communications, J.P. has been a reliable, plainspoken advocate for pro-growth policies that benefit workers, their families, and the country as a whole. We look forward to his leadership in our messaging efforts as we continue to fight for the prosperity and well-being of all Americans.”

Freire’s economic messaging was key to his work as Director of Communications for the Joint Economic Committee under then-Chairman Erik Paulsen of Minnesota where he briefed members and staff of both chambers of Congress. Prior to that, he headed communications on financial services issues for Rep. Dennis A. Ross of Florida. In 2017, he was tapped to lead the Office of Public Affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency after years as Director of Communications for Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and as Director of Communications and chief speechwriter for then-Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas. He also worked as a senior communications strategist in public affairs at New Media Strategies.

Previously, Freire was an award-winning journalist who worked for the New York Times, the Washington Examiner, and the American Spectator, and his byline has also appeared in a wide range of outlets including National Review and Reason. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.

Rep. Brady also announced today that Jesse Solis, press secretary for the Committee, has been promoted to Deputy Communications Director. Solis joined the Committee staff in fall of 2017 as a press assistant, was promoted to deputy press secretary in early 2018, and then promoted to press secretary in the fall of 2018.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Butler University.