Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s Senior Republican Member, today announced new Republican leaders for two of the panel’s five subcommittees.
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), an orthopaedic surgeon, has been named the ranking Republican on the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee. The subcommittee’s responsibilities include nearly all matters dealing with the relationship between employers and workers - including retirement plans and health care coverage, a top legislative priority this year.
“It is a great honor to be tapped by Ranking Member Kline to lead Republicans on this important panel," said Price. “With Americans deeply concerned about their financial, retirement, and health security, there are few subcommittees more relevant to today’s central issues. And as health care reform comes to the forefront of public debate, I am eager to contribute my experience as a physician to a robust discussion. Preserving the ability of American patients to access the health care options, doctors, and plans they currently enjoy is imperative to positive reform. Knowing what it really means to treat patients, I look forward to helping shape the future of health care and providing better opportunities for all American workers."
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) has been named Ranking Republican on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes workers’ compensation, workers’ health and safety, trade and immigration issues as they impact employers and workers, and family and medical leave.
“As a working mother, I understand the challenge of balancing work and family," McMorris Rodgers said. “As Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I look forward to advancing policies that enable employees and their families, as well as employers, to prosper."
Reps. Price and McMorris Rodgers join three other subcommittee ranking Republican members:
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Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee
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Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee
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Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), of the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee
“We have an excellent team that I’m honored to lead," Kline said. “Together, Republicans will continue to provide solutions to strengthen our nation’s schools and support our workforce."