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McDermott Assumes Leadership Role
For Immediate Release - January 26, 2005

(WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-D) today was selected by his peers to become the Ranking Democrat on the Human Resources Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee. McDermott also was selected to serve on the Trade Subcommittee of Ways and Means.

The jurisdiction of the Human Resources’ Committee includes unemployment benefits, child welfare, poverty and family assistance, among others. In assuming the ranking leadership role, McDermott said he would be guided by four fundamental values: ensuring all Americans can earn a living wage; affordable health care coverage for all Americans; affordable housing for all Americans; and, affordable education so that all Americans have an equal opportunity to achieve economic independence and security.

"The principles that will guide me as Ranking Democrat on Human Resources are the values that all Americans care about and represent a clear choice of right over wrong," McDermott said.

McDermott’s new role on the Trade Subcommittee is key because Washington State is one of the top trade dependent states.

"The well-being of people and corporations in the City of Seattle, which I represent, and interests across the entire state, including agriculture, technology and biotech, make it imperative that we have a seat at the table and a strong voice when it comes to trade issues," McDermott said. "I intend to be that strong voice on behalf of my constituents."

McDermott’s first action as Ranking Democrat of Human Resources was to lead other Democrats in a letter to Republican leaders demanding public hearings into new allegations of waste, fraud and abuse disclosed today that involved Administration surrogates paying a journalist to speak favorably about Administration policy.

"This is the second disclosure of public money paying for political propaganda from the Republicans," McDermott said. Click see the letter