WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today he has been named to the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, a small group of the most senior tax-writers in Congress.
"I'm honored to join this respected panel, which has a large and experienced staff of economists, analysts and accountants who provide guidance to Congress on tax legislation," Buchanan said.
The non-partisan committee includes Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., along with the eight most senior members from both committees. Sen. Wyden chairs the Joint Committee and Rep. Neal is the vice chair.
Buchanan is second in seniority on the Ways and Means Committee after Leader Kevin Brady. He and Brady are the only House Republicans on the Joint Taxation Committee.
In addition to assisting in the drafting and analysis of legislative proposals, the panel, created in 1926, also prepares official revenue estimates of all tax legislation considered by Congress and drafts legislative histories for tax-related bills. The Joint Committee Staff plays an integral role in every stage of the tax legislative process.
In addition to Buchanan, Wyden, Brady and Neal, the list of members includes:
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa