WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Economic Committee (JEC) members today elected Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) as their chairman. Upon his selection, Chairman Paulsen released the following statement:

“It is truly an honor to lead the Joint Economic Committee and continue its tradition of serving as Congress’s sounding board for fiscal policy proposals that drive economic growth. Americans deserve more opportunities to advance their careers and increase their salaries, so I look forward to working with my colleagues to foster ideas that support more rapid growth, increased trade, dynamic innovation, and entrepreneurship.”   

Also today, Chairman Paulsen announced that Colin Brainard will lead the JEC staff as the Executive Director. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, CPA (KS-02), staffing her committee work on both the House Financial Services Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee. Previously, Brainard worked at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and on the staff of Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

The JEC is comprised of members of both the House and Senate and serves as a counterpart to the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, which were both created by the Employment Act of 1946. The JEC focuses on reviewing economic conditions and advising Congress on how to grow the U.S. economy.

Chairman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information about the Joint Economic Committee visit www.jec.senate.gov/republicans.