Levin, Miller retain key posts in new Congress

Macomb County's two representatives on Capitol Hill, Sandy Levin and Candice Miller, have retained their positions for the new Congress as top-ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee and chair of the House Administration Committee, respectively.

Levin, a Royal Oak Democrat, issued this statement after the Democratic caucus re-elected him as the ranking member:

“Serving as the ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee is an immense honor, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues. This committee faces many of the challenges that need to be addressed in the right way, including strengthening – not weakening – Medicare and Social Security, trade and tax reform constructed in ways that focus on boosting our economy and creating American jobs, and efforts to help health care reform continue to expand insurance coverage and lower costs. 

"My Democratic colleagues on the committee will work with our Republican colleagues to tackle these and other vital issues in creative ways that honor the bipartisan traditions of the Ways and Means Committee and place first and foremost the interests of the American people.”

Levin also extended a gracious greeting to GOP Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who will replace Michigan's Dave Camp as committee chair when the 114th Congress convenes in January:

“I extend warm congratulations to Paul Ryan on becoming the next chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and I look forward to working with him. I have admired his determination, his interest in a broad range of issues, and the humor with which he has approached his intensive work in Congress. With our offices next door to one another, we don’t have far to go as we strive to honor the esteemed history of the committee and serve the best interests of the American people.”

Meanwhile, House Speaker John Boehner announced that Miller, a Harrison Township Republican, will continue to chair the Administration Committee. Though all of the chairs of the House legislative committees are white males, Miller will oversee the committee that handles the House budget and finances.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today in making the people’s House less costly and more accountable without Candice Miller,” Boehner said.  “As administration chairman, she consistently puts taxpayers first, even and especially when it means making tough calls and asking the institution to do more with less.  Chairman Miller should take much pride in what she and her team have accomplished and will accomplish on behalf of the American people.”
Miller said this: “I thank Speaker Boehner for his confidence in me and the opportunity to continue my service as the chairman of the Committee on House Administration for the 114th Congress. Over the past two years, the committee has worked to ensure that America continues to have open, free and fair elections.  
"Additionally, the committee works to improve the way the House operates by saving taxpayer dollars, and improving communication with constituents by using low-cost digital tools. Over the next two years as chairman, I look forward to continuing our oversight over House operations and facilities, as well as making certain that this House remains open and accessible to the people we are here to serve.”

This year, under Chairman Miller’s stewardship, Boehner said, the House received another clean financial audit.  The House also continued holding the line on its own budget, putting it on track to save taxpayers $594 million.