At the outset of the previous Congress, I reminded you all of the great history of this Committee and the even greater responsibility that is entrusted with us as its members. It is the breadth of this responsibility that guided us to bold, clear priorities, and a mission to level the playing field for the American people.
We swiftly passed legislation to lower prescription drug prices, strengthen retirement security, reform the IRS for taxpayers, and use the tax code to better support low-wage workers and middle-class families. We led the successful effort to vastly improve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, ensuring it contained robust protections for both workers and the environment, as well as the strongest enforcement mechanisms of any U.S. trade deal.
As we carried out this work to secure a healthier, more prosperous future for our nation, crisis struck, the nature and scale of which none of us could have predicted.
COVID-19 sparked both a deadly public health emergency and deep economic recession. Our nation has experienced profound trauma at the hands of this pandemic. My heart is with all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones and struggling to make ends meet.
As it has throughout its history, the Ways and Means Committee rose to the moment, and led some of the most significant provisions in Congress’s COVID response legislation. Our members’ efforts have helped keep jobless workers afloat, families in their homes, and employees connected to their employers, all while giving first responders the resources they needed to fight this disastrous virus. This Committee’s quick, thorough work prevented even greater catastrophe and truly provided lifelines for Americans in need.
Now, at the outset of the 117th Congress, we are called to learn from the last year and continue to take bold action that will finally crush the virus and reenergize the economy. This historic crisis is not over, and neither is our work addressing it.
Arguably the greatest risk that lies ahead of our Committee and the Congress is not doing enough to soundly eradicate the pandemic and protect Americans who are suffering. The less we do now, the more we’ll pay for our inaction down the road. Saving lives and livelihoods are two causes that should unite all members of Congress, regardless of party. There is nothing partisan about helping your fellow American through their darkest days.
If there was ever a time to make substantial investments in the future of this country, it is now. I’ve long advocated for a sweeping infrastructure package - we can work together, across the aisle, to get this done. We can build on last year’s Moving Forward Act to make long-overdue updates to our roads, rail system, broadband networks, and waterways, all while reinvigorating our economy, creating jobs, and combatting climate change.
As we advance these and other priorities, we must do so while maintaining a firm commitment to policies centered around health and economic equity. The crises of this past year exposed and exacerbated longstanding disparities in the United States that we cannot ignore and must address.
It is my sincerest hope that this Committee will continue in the 117th Congress to meet the extraordinary challenges of the time and lead our nation to a brighter, more just future.
Before turning to the Ranking Member, I would like to welcome our new members and emphasize how much I look forward to working with you. For the Majority, I welcome Stacey Plaskett from the Virgin Islands, and on the Minority side, I welcome Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania, and Carol Miller of West Virginia. Thank you all for your service.
With that, I turn it over to Ranking Member Brady for his opening statement.
