PRESS RELEASE: Matt Weidinger Has Joined AEI as a Resident Fellow
November 05, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2018
Washington, DC (November 5, 2018) — Michael R. Strain, the Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) announced today that Matt Weidinger — who served most recently as the deputy staff director of the House Committee on Ways and Means — has joined AEI as a resident fellow in poverty studies. At AEI, he will focus his work on poverty, safety-net programs, welfare, and unemployment insurance.
Mr. Weidinger began his career on Capitol Hill in the 1990s and was the longtime staff director of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, which has jurisdiction over safety-net programs. He has been the principal editor of several editions of the House Committee on Ways and Means “Green Book,” a multi-chapter volume providing background materials and data on tax, health insurance, Social Security, welfare, trade policies, and statistics. He was also a primary staff author of the landmark 1996 welfare reform law (The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act).
“We are thrilled that Matt Weidinger has joined AEI,” said Michael Strain. “His breadth of knowledge and political experience regarding safety-net programs and other measures to alleviate poverty in America will be invaluable to the Institute’s work.” Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, in his remarks on the departure of Mr. Weidinger from the Committee staff, said that “for over 25 years, Matt has played an important role in the major accomplishments of [the] Committee. His name and reputation are nearly synonymous with the Ways and Means Committee.” Added Strain, “The Committee’s loss is the Institute’s gain.”
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