Congressman Dan Kildee Appointed to House Budget Committee by House Democratic Caucus

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has been appointed to serve on the powerful House Budget Committee by the House Democratic Caucus, his latest leadership role despite being a freshman member in Congress. The new leadership role and appointment for Congressman Kildee was announced late last night by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

On the committee, Congressman Kildee will be the only member from Michigan's congressional delegation -- Democrat or Republican -- to currently serve. In addition, he will continue to serve on the influential House Financial Services Committee, known for being one of five "exclusive' committees in Congress where Members are traditionally only appointed to serve on one committee. However, Congressman Kildee was granted a waiver by the House Democratic Leadership to serve on both Financial Services and Budget committee.

"Dan Kildee has been fighting for Michigan families since the day he got elected, and I'm thrilled to have him join the fight on the House Budget Committee.," said Ranking Member on the Budget Committee, Chris Van Hollen (MD-08). "Budgets are not just numbers, they are a statement of our values and priorities as a nation. There is no question that Dan's priorities lie with his constituents, with creating jobs, and with growing the middle class. Michigan couldn't ask for a stronger voice on the Committee and in Congress."

In addition to his now two committee assignments, Congressman Kildee has also been elected or appointed to other leadership roles in the caucus, despite being a first-term Member of Congress. In December 2013, he was elected by his fellow House Democratic freshman class to be their representative on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. In January 2013, he was appointed by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05) to serve as an assistant whip for the caucus.

"I'm honored to have been appointed by the House Democratic Caucus to serve on the Budget Committee and look forward to getting to work right away on the important issues facing our country." Congressman Kildee said. "As our state's sole representative on the committee, I will be a strong advocate for the needs of cities like Flint, Saginaw and Bay City. A budget is a statement of our nation's values. On the committee, I'll work with my colleagues to support policies that invest in our workers and manufacturing sector so that we can attract new businesses and create good-paying jobs in Michigan."

Today, the House Budget Committee will begin to consider the House Republican budget, unveiled yesterday by Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-01). Congressman Kildee issued a statement after their budget was introduced, saying, in part, that their budget was the "wrong path for our country's future" and that our nation's budget should "support an economy that works for all Americans, not just a wealthy few." His entire statement can be read here.

The House Budget Committee has wide-ranging authority and is responsible for enacting budget policy and legislative oversight over the nation's budget. Each year, the Budget Committee is responsible for developing the annual budget resolution to set levels of federal spending. For more information, visit http://democrats.budget.house.gov/.

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