United States House Committee on Ways and Means

The Committee on Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee of the United States House of Representatives. The committee has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures, as well as a number of other programs including Social Security, unemployment benefits, Medicare, the enforcement of child support laws, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, foster care, and adoption programs. Members of the Ways and Means Committee are not allowed to serve on any other House Committee unless they are granted a waiver from their party's congressional leadership. It has long been regarded as the most prestigious committee of the House of Representatives.[1]

Quick facts: Committee on Ways and Means, History, Founded... ▼

Committee on Ways and Means
118th United States Congress
Committee seal
History
Founded	December 21, 1795 (1795-12-21)
New session started	January 9, 2023 (2023-01-09)
Leadership
Chair	Jason Smith (R) since January 3, 2023
Ranking Member	Richard Neal (D) since January 3, 2023
Structure
Seats	43 members
Political groups	Majority   Republican (25) Minority   Democratic (18)
Website
waysandmeans.house.gov

The United States Constitution requires that all bills regarding taxation must originate in the U.S. House of Representatives, and House rules dictate that all bills regarding taxation must pass through Ways and Means. This system imparts upon the committee and its members a significant degree of influence over other representatives, committees, and public policy. Its Senate counterpart is the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.

Recent chairmen have included Bill Thomas, Charlie Rangel, Sander Levin, Dave Camp, Paul Ryan, Kevin Brady, and Richard Neal. On January 9, 2023, Jason T. Smith was sworn in as the new chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, upon the commencement of the 118th Congress.[2]