Paulsen Snags Spot On Influential House Committee

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota has snared a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Paulsen said Friday that his priority on the panel will be to work on economic issues including taxes and regulation for the medical device industry.

He becomes the third Republican from Minnesota's 3rd District to serve on Ways and Means, following predecessors Jim Ramstad and Bill Frenzel.

The panel shapes federal economic policies by writing tax legislation.

Paulsen won his second term in the western Minneapolis suburbs last month. The GOP takes over the House in January.