Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) has been reappointed to the House Committee on Ways and Means in the 113th Congress by the House Democratic Caucus. Schwartz previously served on the chief tax writing committee in the 110th and 111th Congress. 

“I am very proud to be reappointed to the Ways and Means Committee and look forward to working with my colleagues to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and meet our obligations to our seniors and our future in a way that is fair, balanced and fiscally responsible,” Schwartz said. “We have important work to do next year as we tackle comprehensive tax reform and ensure the solvency of Medicare and Social Security for our seniors. I am excited by the opportunity to ensure we enact smart tax policy that strengthens the middle class and makes the right investments in education and innovation to strengthen our economic competitiveness.”

During the 112th Congress, Schwartz has continued to work on issues important to the Ways and Means Committee, including being outspoken in her opposition to ending Medicare as we know it. The Pennsylvania Congresswoman has introduced bipartisan legislation that would move the payment system for physicians from fee-for-service to a system that rewards quality, efficiency, improved outcomes and cost containment. 

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Schwartz was instrumental in drafting and passing the Affordable Care Act including specific language to ensure coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, strengthen primary care, and provide coverage for young adults through their parents’ insurance. Schwartz also worked to include a tax credit to support research into new medical therapies for small U.S. biotech firms. This successful initiative provided $1 billion to more than 3,000 companies across the country. 

“I am very pleased to welcome Rep. Allyson Schwartz back to the Ways & Means Committee. She brings with her a wealth of experience as the Vice Ranking Member of the Budget Committee,” said Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (MI-9). “Allyson has been a strong voice for the middle class and has fought to protect Medicare for our seniors. I look forward to working together to help strengthen the middle class, promote economic growth, and ensure Medicare’s solvency for future seniors.”

Schwartz brings to the committee a determination to strengthen Medicare, knowledge of health care financing and delivery, and previous experience on the Committee that will be critical as Congress works to ensure Medicare’s solvency for generations to come.