House GOP picks Texas Rep. Brady as new Ways and Means chair
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Texas Rep. Kevin Brady has become chairman of the Ways and Means Committee after winning the approval of his fellow House Republicans -- and the backing of the new speaker.
The 60-year-old Brady becomes head of one of Congress' most formidable committees, with jurisdiction over tax, health, welfare and trade legislation.
The former Houston-area Chamber of Commerce official was elected chairman by voice vote Thursday at a closed-door meeting of House GOP lawmakers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 10-term congressman was all but assured of the job a day earlier when he won the endorsement of a 32-member committee of top House Republicans.
Brady was supported by the new House Speaker and former Ways and Means chairman, Republican Paul Ryan.