Buchanan, Roskam, Smith selected to chair key House subcommittees

U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) were selected to chair key subcommittees of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Buchanan was named chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight. Tasked with overseeing investigative authority of all issues under the committee’s jurisdiction in his new role, Buchanan said he intends to be “fair but relentless” in exposing government malfeasance.

“I look forward to chairing this important watchdog panel that will monitor government’s largest federal agencies and programs,” Buchanan said. “I intend to make sure these programs are accountable and working for the people.”

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said Buchanan has proven to be “an effective, hardworking and thoughtful” leader as a member of the committee.

“As the newly-selected chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee, Vern will be at the center of the House’s efforts to hold the IRS accountable and ensure the faithful execution of our laws,” Brady said. “I appreciate his hard work and am confident he’ll continue to deliver real results for Floridians and all Americans.”

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, Roskam is expected to play a key role in the first major overhaul of the nation’s tax code in decades.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix our broken tax code and enhance American competitiveness for generations to come,” Roskam said. “I’m honored to hold this important gavel and look forward to putting it to good use shepherding tax reform across the finish line.”

Smith was chosen to chair the Subcommittee on Human Resources, with jurisdiction over anti-poverty efforts, welfare programs, social service programs, and foster care and adoption.

“My priority in Congress has always been to secure greater opportunity for Nebraskans. Now, I look forward to leading our efforts to improve our country’s anti-poverty programs by demanding positive results which break the cycle of government dependency and empower people through freedom and economic opportunity,” Smith said.

Since joining the committee six years ago, Brady said, Smith has been “an integral part of our efforts to combat poverty.”

“Adrian will be a thoughtful and effective chairman of our Human Resources Subcommittee, guiding our efforts to unleash opportunities that help all Americans thrive,” Brady said. “I’m very grateful for his service and leadership.”