Feenstra, Moore and Carey Discuss Their New Role on Ways & Means and Their Priorities in the Year Ahead

WASHINGTON, DC – In remarks yesterday morning before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, three new members of the Ways & Means Committee discussed their new roles on the influential tax writing panel and some of the priorities they plan to work toward in the coming year.

The members were: Randy Feenstra, who represents the 4th District of Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected to Congress in 2020; Blake Moore, who represents the 1st District of Utah and was also elected to the House in 2020; and, Mike Carey, who represents the 15th District of Ohio and was elected to the House in a special election in November 2021.

“ Being on Ways and Means is an honor,” stated Feenstra, who kicked off the discussion and opened his remarks by noting that he served as Chair of the Ways & Means Committee in Iowa when he was a member of the state Senate. Pointing to priorities that the Committee will be focusing on in the coming year, he said he thought addressing some of the sunsetting provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would be at or near the top of the list, particularly as they relate to one-time expensing and bonus appreciation.

“As we try to grow economically,” he observed, “ both in research & development and in manufacturing technology, those things going away is really big.”

The Iowa Republican also thought trade would be a priority on Ways & Means this year.

“ It came out this past week that we’re at a $948 billion trade deficit, which is huge” he noted. “Of that, you have China exporting to our country $538 billion, and we’re exporting to China $131 billion. So we’ve got a lot of work to do in the trade area. I look forward to that and I obviously look forward to working with these gentlemen.”

Moore echoed his colleague’s remarks.

“ I am excited to be on this committee,” he stated. Referring to the broad jurisdiction of Ways & Means and how it affects Americans – and Utahns — in all walks of life, he added: “ You go to one of your first town halls and you realize that there are 17 things that people are concerned about, all of which you may or may not have any control over.”

One thing the people he represents are concerned about, Moore said, is the debt and deficit and the need to get spending under control in Washington, DC.

“ We ’re a state that has been so responsible,” he remarked. “We see the value of economic growth. We see the value of low taxes and of creating opportunities for businesses and people. That’s what drove me to be in this role on Ways and Means.”

The Ogden native is the first Republican Member from Utah to hold a seat on the Ways & Means Committee, and he said he plans to represent not only his district, but the values of the entire Beehive State in this new role.

“ Utah’s never had a Republican Member on the House Ways & Means Committee,” he noted. “We had one Democrat in the ‘60s for one term. So we have not had representation on this, all the while we are such a model for the nation as far as how to grow a diverse economy, how to keep taxes in check, and embrace the social aspect of doing right by those that are in need. It’s built into our culture. I go back and I talk about in Utah wanting to take Utah values to Washington. It’s a great bumper sticker, and this is an opportunity for me to do so.”

“ We see the value of economic growth. We see the value of low taxes and of creating opportunities

Ways & Means Committee, and the tradition that members from the Buckeye State have on working across the aisle.

“ Ohio has had a long tradition of having two members on Ways and Means,” he stated. “You go back to the time of Pat Tiberi, and obviously Jim Renacci, and then of course with Brad [Wenstrup], and you look at Ohio’s delegation for many, many years. We had some real champions in Ohio.”

“ The nice thing about the Ohio delegation — and I think you’ll see this across-the-board with the members on this committee – is that we have a really good history of reaching across the aisle.” for businesses and people.”

Moore closed his remarks by touching on one of his broader goals as a Ways & Means member in the coming years.

“ The way I will view success over the next several terms, if I’m fortunate to be reelected, is, am I able to bend that debt-to-GDP curve down? Am I going to be a part of not adding so much onto my kids’ debt? That’s something that I’m passionate about. And to be able to be on this committee working now on our nation’s biggest issue, it’s a real honor.

Carey concurred, and opened his remarks by talking about the historic role of Ohioans on the

Carey also gave high marks to the new Chairman of the Committee, Jason Smith (MO-8), and the staff he has brought on board.

“ I think he’s doing a phenomenal job,” he stated. “He’s moved many of his staff over from the Budget Committee to the Ways and Means Committee … and that staff is just amazing.”

Carey also praised Smith’s plan to hold field hearings around the country.

“ I don’t know where they’re all going to be,” he said, “ but I’m going to tell you that it’s going to give us the opportunity to speak with real Americans in the Heartland, and on the coast, and everywhere in between. So I really appreciate the opportunity to be on this committe.” RF

Name: Congressman Darin LaHood

Occupation: U.S. Representative, 16th Congressional District of Illinois

You’ve been in office for eight years now. What’s been the toughest part of the job during that time? Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic and the state-mandated closures brought forth unprecedented challenges for our country and our communities in Illinois. Small businesses, schools, and our everyday lives were ground to a halt. Even in the Capitol, work largely became remote and we all had to learn to adapt, but still support the American people, provide constituent service, and legislate effectively. I am proud that Congress was able to rise to the challenge and support the needs of our constituents, but I am glad that we are now fully reopen, legislating in person, and conducting the business the American people sent us here to accomplish.

And the most rewarding part? Is there a victory or experience you’ve had that made it especially worthwhile? One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to help people every day in Illinois through our casework and constituent services. Providing high quality constituent services and communication is one of the most important things we do as a Member of Congress. Whether it’s veterans’ issues or helping constituents navigate the IRS or Social Security Administration, it is incredibly rewarding to assist folks in Illinois who need support from the federal government.

Additionally, I really have enjoyed being a member of the House Intelligence Committee for the past two years. Working with the brave men and women who protect our nation in our Armed Forces and Intelligence Community makes our work incredibly rewarding. What are your top three legislative priorities in the 118th Congress? As Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, I will prioritize policies that strengthen child and family care, ensure effective and accountable use of taxpayer money, reinvigorate our workforce, and address the rampant COVID-era unemployment fraud.

I was also appointed to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP is a strategic competitor and presents growing economic and military challenges to the United States. Now more than ever, Congress must work in a bipartisan way to strengthen American economic competitiveness, bolster and secure our supply chains, promote our trade interests and leadership in the Indo-Pacific, modernize our technology, and protect our national and cyber security against China.

Lastly, I will prioritize policies that strengthen our agriculture communities in Illinois and support our farmers. With upcoming Farm Bill negotiations, I will advocate for policies that support Illinois farmers and bolster trade opportunities through my work on the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee.

As the father to three young men, what would you like your children to remember about this moment in history? When my boys grow up and reflect back on this time in history, I hope they remember that we are Americans first, above all else. Despite our differences, we should always look to see the best in others and when we work together anything is possible in this country.