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House GOP picks Texas Rep. Brady as new Ways and Means chair

WASHINGTON (AP) - Texas Rep. Kevin Brady has become chairman of the Ways and Means Committee after winning the approval of his fellow House Republicans - and the backing of the new speaker.

The 60-year-old Brady becomes head of one of Congress' most formidable committees, with jurisdiction over tax, health, welfare and trade legislation.

The former Houston-area Chamber of Commerce official was elected chairman by voice vote Thursday at a closed-door meeting of House GOP lawmakers.

The 10-term congressman was all but assured of the job a day earlier when he won the endorsement of a 32-member committee of top House Republicans.

Brady was supported by the new House Speaker and former Ways and Means chairman, Republican Paul Ryan.

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