WASHINGTON -- March 10 -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that she will appoint Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) to the House Rules Committee.

"Doris Matsui will be a powerful and passionate voice on the Rules Committee for the values that her Sacramento constituents hold dear - including strengthening Social Security and expanding health care for working Americans," Pelosi said. "Doris is a rising star in the Democratic Caucus and will be an outstanding Member of the committee."

Rep. Matsui was elected on Tuesday to succeed her husband, the late Rep. Bob Matsui, and was sworn in this morning.

The House Committee on Rules determines the guidelines and parameters under which bills will be debated on the floor of the House. Because of its unique power to create and waive rules and frame the debate on the floor, the Rules Committee is considered to be one of the most powerful committees in the House of Representatives.

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