The term HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE refers to a COMMITTEE of the United States HOUSE of Representatives. It is responsible for writing tax laws AND overseeing revenue-related issues. The Ways AND MEANS COMMITTEE is one of the oldest standing committees in the U.S. Congress, having been established in 1789. It is also one of the most powerful committees, as it has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs, AND other revenue-related matters. The term 'WAYS' is an acronym for 'Ways AND MEANS, ' which is the name of the COMMITTEE.