Now that the ethically challenged Rep Charles Rangel (D-NY) has been replaced by the morally challenged Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), who has been replaced by the reasonably responsible Rep Sander Levin (D-Mich) (and yes, there are some Democrats who are responsible, even though liberal) on the usually described as "powerful" House Ways and Means Committee what exactly is the job of this committee and why is it so powerful? In the words of the official government Committee websiteThe Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. The Committee derives a large share of its jurisdiction from Article I, Section VII of the U.S. Constitution which declares, "All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives." It is "the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives." Remember that as you learn of just some of...(Read Full Post)