NE Valley Times

U.S. Representative David Schweikert has been appointed as the Chairman-designate of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) for the 119th Congress. Schweikert, representing Arizona's 1st District, will assume this role in his sixth term on the committee.

“Part of my job with the Joint Economic Committee involves figuring out how we can finance all the things that stakeholders show up here wanting. It’s not something you hear a lot of members talk about because so many people don’t understand the demographics of our country,” said Rep. Schweikert. “I would argue that it’s actually much more than just tax policy; it’s our willingness to knock down barriers to adopt technology, and our willingness to actually have the disruptive conversation of what we pay.”

He further stated, “To change the cost of government, we’re going to adopt the things that crash the price of health care— not by making it scarcer or rationing it, but by making it more moral. The Committee will continue underscoring the role demographics play in our debt, supporting tax policy that maximizes economic growth, and advancing fiscal solutions through innovation. I remain confident in the bipartisan solutions we will continue to foster and present through the work of the JEC.“

The chairmanship alternates between Senate and House every Congress. For this term, Schweikert will serve alongside Senator Eric Schmitt from Missouri, who is Vice Chairman-designate.

The committee members from both parties include:

House Members:

- Republicans: Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-01) – Chairman

- Democrats: Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08) – Senior House Democrat

Senate Members:

- Republicans: Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) – Vice Chairman; Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR); Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)

- Democrats: Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) – Ranking Member; Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

The Joint Economic Committee was established under the Employment Act of 1946 along with President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Their main responsibilities are reviewing economic conditions and recommending improvements in economic policy.

Rep. Schweikert also holds positions on other committees such as Ways and Means Committee and serves as Chairman of several caucuses including Blockchain Caucus and Telehealth Caucus.