Ways and Means Committee

Rep. Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor, got it right when he said, “Without a doubt, the action this year is with the budget.”

I'm wondering how the new budget committee structure will work in the House. There are 3 "appropriations" committees and 1 overall Ways and Means Committee.

And all four of them will have having hearings on different aspects of the budget. At some point, someone has to make a decision about what gets into the state budget and what gets left out.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall to overhear that discussion, but I can't even figure out which room I should go to and which wall I should cling to.

Seaquist named vice chair of new Health and Human Services Committee

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Dave Reichert's office was obviously pleased to put out a release noting his appointment to one of the most powerful committees in the House: "I'm honored to accept an appointment to the Ways and Means Committee and ready to roll...

Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn) is seeking a spot on the House Ways and Means committee after winning his third term and second consecutive victory over Darcy Burner this fall, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

The House Ways and Means Committee oversees governmental revenue programs such as taxation and tariffs as well as Social Security and Medicare, and was a long-time perch for Reichert's predecessor, the late Rep. Jennifer Dunn.

If he is appointed to the influential committee, it will provide a boost for Reichert's political resume as he continues to defy the political logic as the only House Republican from Western Washington. He was targeted by Democrats this year for his congressional effectiveness rating, which placed him among the least powerful in the House.