Against the backdrop of a current federal government shutdown that has forced federal funding to lapse, two key committees in the U.S. House of Representatives announced new chairmen selections with U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) heading the Joint Economic Committee and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) leading the House Budget Committee. Both lawmakers took the gavel on Jan. 18.
Both members look forward to the important work ahead.
“Americans deserve more opportunities to advance their careers and increase their salaries, so I look forward to working with my colleagues to foster ideas that support more rapid growth, increased trade, dynamic innovation, and entrepreneurship,” said Rep. Paulsen, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.
“The task ahead of us will certainly be a challenge, but I look forward to leading the committee and together crafting a conservative and responsible vision for getting America back on a sustainable fiscal path,” said Rep. Womack, who serves on three House Appropriations subcommittees: Defense; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies; and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
Both the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) and the House Budget Committee are charged with reviewing the state of the nation’s economy and making recommendations for policy improvements.
The JEC, which includes members of both the House and Senate, examines the nation’s economic conditions and then advises Congress on how to strengthen and increase the country’s wealth. Committee chairmanship alternates between the House and Senate each term of Congress.
Among its duties, the House Budget Committee is responsible for developing the annual U.S. budget resolution, which sets aggregate levels of spending, revenue, the deficit or surplus, and public debt, according to the committee’s website. In developing the budget resolution, the committee examines baseline budget projections from the Congressional Budget Office and the budget request submitted by the president.
“It is truly an honor to lead the Joint Economic Committee and continue its tradition of serving as Congress’s sounding board for fiscal policy proposals that drive economic growth,” Paulsen said.
Rep. Womack, who previously was mayor of Rogers, Ark.; worked as a financial consultant and former broadcaster; and served more than 30 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard, is now serving his fourth term in the House. As chairman of the Budget Committee, he will lead five oversight hearings set to begin on Jan. 30 and convene hearings to support the committee’s work on crafting the fiscal year 2019 budget.
“I am grateful for the confidence and support of my colleagues as we get started on the next budget resolution,” said Womack.