Heading into the 111th Congress, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has an opportunity to advance the Republican commitment to small government and reform by selecting Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) to the open seat on the Senate Finance Committee.

The Senate Finance Committee is one of the Senate’s most influential , with jurisdiction over taxation, healthcare, trade, and entitlement programs. Following Republican electoral losses in November, there is a vacancy on the committee, and Senator Mitch McConnell is empowered by Senate Republican conference rules to fill the open seat.

Senator DeMint is leader of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, and has a legislative record of fighting for fundamental tax reform, consumer-driven healthcare, free trade, and proposing bold solutions for Social Security.

On the Senate Finance Committee, Senator DeMint would continue to lead the charge against abusive earmarks and fight attempts to raise taxes. He would help keep conservatives on principle and fight massive left-wing expansions in government.

FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey commented:

“This is a great opportunity to have fiscal watchdog protecting taxpayers on the Finance Committee and for Republicans to prove they are committed to changing the status quo in Washington. Revolutions begin when the reformers get a seat at the table.”

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe added:

“Senator DeMint is the choice of conservatives nationwide. I know that Senator DeMint has at times made life on Capitol Hill inconvenient for many members of the Senate by criticizing pork projects and trying to slow down runaway spending bills. But this record of fighting for reform is why it is important for Senator DeMint to have a seat on the Finance Committee. Following recent elections, Senator DeMint’s appointment will give the grassroots something to cheer about.”