Not only are these two Democrats the only Representatives from the committee to be from the same state; they also hail from the same city.

First reported by Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday, both Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) and Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) have landed spots on the House Ways and Means Committee.

News: hearing that Philly has landed TWO slots on the Ways and Means Committtee. That Reps Boyle and Evans will both land there, per Dem sources.
Would be pretty unusual.

— Jonathan Tamari (@JonathanTamari) January 9, 2019

The Inquirer describes the oldest committee in Congress as “one of the most prestigious” panels in the House.

It was reported by the Inquirer at the end of November that both men were vying for positions on the “chief tax-writing committee” in the House, although at the time it appeared that just one of the two would be awarded a position.

Both men are hoping to use their influence on the committee help the city of Philadelphia.

“Serving on this storied and powerful committee will allow me to fight for Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania like never before,” Boyle said in a release. “From ensuring tax policy is fair to working families to protecting vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, I will do everything in my power to ensure the people of Pennsylvania and people of America have the support they need to thrive.”

Boyle, 41, referred to his age in his statement as well stating his excitement to be on the committee “early in my congressional career.”

“I am grateful for this committee nomination, particularly at this point relatively early in my congressional career, and I will use my new position to fight to give Pennsylvanians of every zip code a shot at the American dream,” said Boyle.

Evans shared that he is hoping to address Philadelphia’s “high poverty rate, crumbing infrastructure, and protect and expand healthcare” on the committee.

(1/2) I’m pleased to announce that I’ll now have a stronger platform to fight for PHL as I join the powerful @WaysMeansCmte — this committee is a place where I can advance my policy ideas to tackle our 26% poverty rate, crumbling infrastructure, & protect (+ expand) health care.

— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) January 10, 2019

“I’m pleased to announce that I’ll now have a stronger platform to fight for PHL as I join the powerful @WaysMeansCmte — this committee is a place where I can advance my policy ideas to tackle our 26% poverty rate, crumbling infrastructure, & protect (+ expand) health care,” Evans said in a tweet. “I can’t wait to work with my colleagues on behalf of ALL Americans!”

According to the Inquirer, the last Democrat from Pennsylvania to serve on this committee was former Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Montgomery), whose district included sections of Philadelphia.

Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) and Pat Meehan (R-Delaware) served on the committee in the last Congress.