The Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

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March 18, 2011 · by Jessie · Spark Notes

Leadership named the twelve members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction this week.  The full list of members is available after the jump. 

Observers are skeptical about the chances of this committee to agree on anything, given the vast political differences between the members.  On the other hand, if the committee is able to come up with a recommendation, it will be impossible for the left or the right of the Congress to say they weren’t part of the negotiations. 

 SENATE

  • Patty Murray (D-WA) – co-chair; Senate Democratic Conference Secretary; member of Budget, HELP and Appropriations  Committees [See: Joint Statement by Senators Murray, Baucus and Kerry on Joint Committee Appointments]
  • Max Baucus (D-MT) – Chair, Finance; former member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles Commission– voted against report)
  • John Kerry (D-MA)  – member, Finance Committee
  • Jon Kyl (R-AZ) – Senate Minority Whip; member, Finance Committee
  • Pat Toomey (R-PA) – member, Budget Committee [See: Sen. Toomey Issues Statement On Super Committee Selection]
  • Rob Portman (R-OH) – member, Budget Committee [See: to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction]

 HOUSE

  • Jeb Hensarling (R- TX) – co-chair; Chairman of the House Republican Conference; former member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles Commission– voted against report)
  • Dave Camp (R- MI) – Chair, Ways and Means; former member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles Commission– voted against report)
  • Fred Upton (R-MI) – Chair, Energy and Commerce; former member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles Commission – voted against report)
  • James E. Clyburn (D-SC) – Assistant Democratic Leader
  • Xavier Becerra (D-CA) – member, Ways and Means; former member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles Commission– voted against report)
  • Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)  – Ranking Member, Budget [See: Van Hollen Statement on Joint Select Committee Appointment]

The Super Committee is charged with developing and approving a plan to reduce the deficit by $1.2-$1.5 trillion over the next 10 years by November 23.  The committee is co-chaired by Rep. Hensarling and Sen. Murray and must convene its first meeting by September 16.