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Today, Congressman Devin Nunes announced his appointment to serve as a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittees on Health and Trade. In addition, Mr. Nunes will serve as a Ways and Means representative on the Budget Committee. Committee assignments are determined by House Leaders at the beginning of each Congress.

Rep. Nunes received his seat on the coveted Health and Trade Subcommittees only after declining an opportunity to become a Ways and Means Subcommittee Ranking Member. Ranking Members are senior Republican lawmakers who serve as leaders on their respective committees. There is a Ranking Republican Member on each House Committee, as well as each subcommittee.

“My service on the Health Subcommittee will allow me greater participation in the healthcare debate at this critical time. Our challenges are very significant. We are witnessing the outcome of a system that has forced the centralization of power into the hands of insurance companies, government bureaucrats, and politicians. I want to return power to patients and medical professionals. I hope to positively impact reform legislation as a member of the Health Subcommittee,” said Rep. Nunes.

Nunes has sought involvement in healthcare related issues since first being elected to Congress. During his first term, he was an original co-author of legislation establishing the Medicare prescription drug program. In addition, he has helped to secure funding for local hospitals and community clinics.

In addition to his new assignment on the Health Subcommittee, Rep. Nunes will join the Subcommittee on Trade. Trade agreements have an enormous impact on the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, which exports food and fiber throughout the world.

Nunes’ assignment to serve as a Ways and Means representative on the Budget Committee comes at a time when our nation is facing a record $1.2 trillion deficit.