Ohio Republican to join House Ways and Means Committee

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) has been recommended to fill an open seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, joining the powerful panel with jurisdiction over tax, trade and health matters.

The House Republican Steering Committee has recommended Wenstrup for the panel, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) announced Wednesday. Wenstrup replaces Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.), who resigned from Congress last month amid sexual misconduct allegations.

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Wenstrup has a background that could be useful to the committee as it tackles health-related issues. He has a medical degree and serves in the Army Reserves, treating patients at Walter Reed National Medical Center. He also has been serving as chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

He said in a statement that he is “eager to work with Chairman Brady and the Committee to fight for the doctor-patient relationship in health care, improve our programming to help more people rise from poverty, expand economic opportunities for all, and advance America’s free enterprise leadership in the world.”

Brady praised the selection of Wenstrup.

“Dr. Wenstrup is an excellent choice to join our Committee. A decorated war veteran, small business owner, and doctor, Brad brings proven dedication to our country and invaluable experience to the team,” Brady said in a statement. “I am excited to welcome Brad aboard as we take action to combat the opioid crisis, help move people off the sidelines and back into the workforce, and build upon tax reform to accelerate our economy.”

–updated at 1:21 p.m.