Today, House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the House Steering Committee recommended Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), and Ron Estes (R-KS) to serve on the Ways and Means Committee:
“These three distinguished Members are fantastic choices to serve on our Committee. Our Republican pro-growth agenda has made a real and positive impact for American families and businesses, and each of these Members will be invaluable additions in helping build on that success. I look forward to our work together as we aim to improve retirement security for our workers, continue to cut taxes for middle-class families, and lower health care costs for patients and providers.”
The House Steering Committee is responsible for recommending Members to serve on standing Committees in the House of Representatives. The recommendations are subject to approval by the House Republican Conference.
According to his website: “In January 2017, Jodey became only the fifth representative to serve the 19th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives since its creation in 1935. In Congress, Jodey is a tireless advocate for significantly cutting government spending, ensuring a strong national defense, and protecting the freedoms we all richly deserve. He has proven to be a voice for conservative values and a leader among his colleagues.”He was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for the 115th Congress. In this role, Arrington is working to ensure veterans have opportunities for employment after deployment. In addition to his subcommittee chairmanship on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Jodey serves on the Agriculture and Budget committees.
“Jodey is able to serve thanks to the tremendous sacrifice and support of his wife, Anne, and his three children. He has served on numerous boards and committees related to Christian ministry, economic development, and renewable energy.”
About Ways and Means
The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives.
The Committee derives a large share of its jurisdiction from Article I, Section VII of the U.S. Constitution which declares, “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.”
Meanwhile, Drew Ferguson (R-GA) has demonstrated leadership throughout his career.
According to his website: “In 2008, Congressman Ferguson was elected mayor of West Point and was at the forefront of attracting and keeping jobs in his community. By lowering taxes, eliminating government barriers and reforming education, he led a community in economic ruin back to life. Today, a wide range of new businesses and industries call West Point and the surrounding area home. Led by KIA Motors, automotive suppliers and related businesses, 16,000 new jobs have been created so far. Congressman Ferguson came to Washington to apply the lessons he learned revitalizing West Point to creating policies that once again make America the most competitive place to do business.
“Just as important as the creation of jobs, Congressman Ferguson wants to remove barriers that prevent those in poverty from moving into the middle class. Smart and effective welfare entitlement reform that actually helps people move ahead rather than trapping them in a cycle of poverty is the first step. Congressman Ferguson believes these problems cannot simply be regulated away, but should look for solutions that get government out of the way of American innovation growth. This is as much a moral issue as it is a practical matter.
“Congressman Ferguson serves on the Committee on the Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Education and the Workforce Committee and is the Freshman Policy Representative for the 115th Congress.”
Finally, Rep. Estes takes pride in his deep Kansas roots. According to his site, “Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and serves Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to becoming an elected official, Estes worked in consulting and management roles in several different industries including aerospace, energy and manufacturing. An engineer by trade, he successfully implemented a variety of systems that streamlined operations, increased efficiency and improved customer relations – all while cutting cost. Estes served as Sedgwick County (Kansas) Treasurer and then Kansas State Treasurer before being elected to Congress on April 11, 2017.”
Ron and his wife, Susan, have three children and reside in Wichita.”
