Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada has been named to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
His selection by Republican leadership in the House puts two members of the Nevada delegation on that committee. Las Vegas Democrat Shelley Berkley also sits on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over all taxation and other revenue raising measures as well as Social Security, unemployment benefits, Medicare and programs to protect children such as foster care and child support laws.
The committee is chaired by Rep. Charles Rangel, D-NY.
"Congress needs to get our economy back on track," said Heller. "The policies that come from this committee will directly affect the economic health of our country and Nevada's middle-class families."
He said the assignment "allows me to be a more effective advocate for the wise stewardship of taxpayers' dollars."
Heller, of Carson City, is beginning his second two-year term in the House of Representatives. He holds a degree in business administration from USC and has experience as a stockbroker and trader on the Pacific Stock Exchange.
Prior to his election to the House, he served 12 years as Nevada Secretary of State and two terms in the Nevada Assembly.
"Dean Heller's principles of fiscal responsibility and accountable government, make him perfect for this committee," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.