Senate Republicans add three to Finance panel

Senate Finance Republicans added three new members to the panel for the new Congress. 

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who is expected to become chairman next year, said Monday that the committee added Sens. Dan Coats (Ind.), Dean Heller (Nev.), and Tim Scott of South Carolina to the roster. 

{mosads}“With the addition of these three Senators, the Republican side of this committee will only be stronger, and I am confident we’ll be able to work with our counterparts on the other side of the aisle to help drive a robust agenda to meet the demands of the American people,” Hatch said.

Republicans, who are set to take control of the Senate and Congress with a 54-46 advantage, have a two-seat edge on the the committee with 14 seats to 12.

“The Finance Committee has long been at the center of every major economic debate,” Hatch said.

“Whether it’s providing responsible tax relief to American families and job creators, increasing market access to domestic goods and products, or strengthening the nation’s entitlement programs to guarantee their solvency for future generations, our committee has worked to develop smart policies to improve the prosperity of our great nation.”

Finance covers a broad swath of issues that extend from trade to entitlement programs and taxes.

Republicans announced all of their committee memberships on Monday. They still have to decide who will lead the panels.

Earlier on Monday, Hatch said trade issues, including passing trade promotion authority, or fast-track, are a top priority for the committee at the start of the 114th Congress.

Hatch said congressionall Republicans and the White House should work together on fast-track to help push through two major trade agreements — the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and another deal between the United States and the European Union.