Congressman Dave Reichert, who represents Issaquah and Sammamish in the 8th Congressional District, was Jan. 15 to be the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee.

“I am honored to serve as chairman of this important Subcommittee which oversees key human service programs,” said Reichert. “I entered public service because I wanted to answer the call to protect and serve those most vulnerable and help build a better America in which families are able to provide a successful future for themselves and their children.”

“As Chairman, I look forward to leading the effort to improve these programs designed to help Americans who have fallen on difficult times.”

Reichert said that as the oldest of seven kids growing up in a home of scarce means, he ran away on several occasions and at times attended high school out of his car in order to escape difficult family circumstances.

“I know what it’s like to struggle, and I know the vital role that hope plays when trying to find a pathway to a better tomorrow,” Reichert said.

He added that the best way to help Americans put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads “is to get them back on their feet and back to work. This will be one of the Subcommittee’s primary goals.”