House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dan Rostenkowski represents Illinois' District Five. After serving in the state legislature, Rostenkowski was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has served thirty-six years. Rostenkowski also chairs the Joint Committee on Taxation.
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The House Ways and Means Committee raises the revenues to run the government and thus oversees some 40% of the federal budget. It is one of the most powerful committees in the House, originating most tax legislation and making rules about Social Security, health insurance, unemployment compensation and public assistance. Some subcommittees are 'Health,' 'Human Resources,' 'Social Security,' and 'Trade.
