Congressman Dan Kildee Appointed to Trade, Social Security Subcommittees on Ways and Means

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, was appointed to serve on two subcommittees on the Ways and Means Committee, including both the influential Trade and Social Security subcommittees.

"I look forward to getting to work right away on the committee to bring Michigan's voice to the table on critical issues, including supporting American workers through fair trade deals and strengthening Social Security for generations to come," Congressman Kildee said. "Both of these subcommittee positions will allow me to fight every day for middle class families, ensuring that our workers can compete globally on a level playing field and that people can retire with dignity knowing that vital programs like Social Security will be there for them when they retire."

The Subcommittee on Trade covers all issues related to international trade, including trade agreements with other countries, tariffs and customs, and international trade rules. In Congress, Congressman Kildee has been focused on expanding workers' rights and protecting American workers, stopping unfair trade practices, such as currency manipulation and dumping, and expanding markets to send American-made goods across the world.

The Subcommittee on Social Security oversees legislation that relates to the Social Security system and the 63 million people across the country that rely on the program. Social Security provides earned benefits to retirees, individuals with disabilities and their families, widows and widowers, and children who have lost a parent. On average, the program lifts 22 million Americans, including 1.7 million children, out of poverty every year. On the subcommittee, Congressman Kildee will fight any attempt to privatize the program, instead strengthening the program to ensure it remains solvent and so that American families who paid into the program see the benefits that they have earned.

The House Ways and Means Committee will be at the forefront of the new Democratic majority's key initiatives, including lowering the costs of health care premiums and prescription drugs, negotiating fair trade deals, and creating a tax system that benefits working families, not the richest corporations. The House Ways and Means Committee has vast jurisdiction over important programs including Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Medicare, enforcement of child support laws, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and foster care and adoption programs.

Congressman Dan Kildee serves as Chief Deputy Whip, part of the Democratic leadership in the 116th Congress. The Chief Deputy Whip acts as an important liaison among Members of Congress and the Democratic leadership team to build support for Democratic priorities.

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