Buchanan to Chair Key Tax Panel

BRADENTON – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) was named chairman of the House Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee this week. The six-term Florida congressman will lead efforts to update and fine-tune the tax reform bill just signed into law.

"I look forward to chairing this important committee that will ensure a smooth implementation of the largest overhaul of our tax code in more than three decades," Buchanan said. "Whenever legislation as sweeping as the tax reform bill is passed, updates and adjustments will be needed to ensure it is implemented smoothly. I intend to make sure we focus on growing the economy and creating as many jobs as possible."

Buchanan said his agenda as the new Tax Policy chairman will include making whatever adjustments and technical corrections are needed to the new tax bill as well as consideration of other measures to spur economic growth.

"It’s important that the middle class and working families are at the forefront of our country’s economic policy,“ Buchanan said. "I will also be focusing on our nation’s small businesses – the backbone of the American economy."

The chairmanship became available as part of an overall reshuffling of subcommittee chairs triggered by the retirement this week of Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio).

Buchanan, who most recently served as the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee chairman, also chaired the Human Resources Subcommittee in the last Congress. The congressman also sits on the Health Subcommittee and Social Security Subcommittee.

The Congressman has served on the Ways and Means Committee since January of 2011. His 2015 appointment as subcommittee chairman marked the first time a Floridian led a Ways & Means Subcommittee since U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fla., chaired the Trade Subcommittee for the 109th Congress (2005-2006).

Ways and Means is widely considered the most powerful committee in Congress because of its broad jurisdiction, including taxes, health care, Social Security, Medicare, welfare and international trade.