As the chief tax-writing committee in the House, the Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures. It also oversees major entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, unemployment benefits, and parts of welfare services.

Composed of senior members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees, this non-partisan committee provides expert analysis on tax legislation for Congress. It prepares official revenue estimates for tax proposals and assists in drafting tax laws.