Tampabay.com
JANUARY 07, 2009

Shifting postions in the U.S. House

For those keeping score at home, U.S. Rep Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, has landed a coveted seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, though she may have to give up her seats on other committees to take it.

Ways and Means is the House's tax-writing committee, but also holds jurisdiction over  Social Security, Medicare and trade. Her office said her Fifth Congressional District has the highest concentration of Social Security and Medicare recipients in the country.

"I will work to protect Social Security benefits, find comprehensive solutions to the health care crisis facing our nation, fight to keep taxes low, and stimulate job creation," Brown-Waite said.

Ways and Means is a so-called exclusive committee, meaning members generally can't serve on other committees as well. Brown-Waite currently serves on the Financial Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs committees, but she likely can apply to the Republican leadership for a waiver to let her retain a seat on at least one of those panels.

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