Texas Republican Sam Johnson Set To Serve As Interim Chairman Of Ways And Means Committee

U.S. House Minority leader John Boehner (L)(R-OH) wipes tears from his face as he listens to fellow Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) speak about his time as a prisoner during the Vietnam war, following a Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington February 13, 2007. Before the House began a debate on an Iraq war resolution Tuesday, Johnson said 34 years ago when he was a prisoner of war, opposition to the conflict from within America hurt the morale of troops on the ground in Vietnam, just as the current resolution may hurt the morale of troops currently in Iraq. Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) is pictured between Boehner and Johnson. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES) - RTR1MCU8

After Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan was successful elected totake over for outgoing House Speaker John Boehner Thursday, Rep.Sam Johnson was named temporary chairman of the Ways and MeansCommittee.

The 85-year-old Texan will take over Ryan’s duties until apermanent replacement is elected.

“I am honored to serve the Ways and MeansCommittee during this time of transition. Under ChairmanRyan’s leadership we have enjoyed greatsuccesses, and I will continue to focus our efforts on criticalissues moving forward,” Johnson said in a statement.

Reps. Kevin Brady and Pat Tiberi have announced theirbids for the top spot on the tax-writing committee. California Rep.Devin Nunes is expected to make a decision on whether or not hewill run soon.

After Ryan’s successor is elected, Johnson will returnto his position as the chairman of the Social SecuritySubcommittee.

No date has been announced on when the vote will occur.

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