WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) issued the following statement during today’s hearing on the American economy:
"This committee will soon build its legislative calendar for the 110th Congress and today’s hearing provides a framework to help us understand the current state of the American economy.
"As we get into the swing of things, almost all decisions on economic policy will have to come, in one way or another, back to our committee. We enter this process with the benefit of open discussion and with the understanding that the Ranking Member and I have committed ourselves to finding middle ground where the parties can come together on policy solutions.
"Today we’ll hear from a wide range of views, but I caution witnesses and members alike - we’re not interested in hearing partisan presentations, but we are looking to move forward as a unified Ways and Means Committee and see what contribution we may make to the country."
Today’s hearing was the first in a series of four examining the state of the American economy. It will be followed by additional full committee hearings on:
The economic and societal costs of poverty - Wednesday, January 24 at 10:00 AM
US trade policy and globalization - Tuesday, January 30 at a time to be determined
The challenges facing middle-class families - Wednesday, January 31 at a time to be determined
All full committee hearings will take place in 1100 Longworth House Office Building.
