Rostenkowski first entered Congress in 1959 . He became chairman of the tax - writing Ways and Means Committee in 1990 . Known for his booming voice and reputation as a power broker , he became chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee in 1981 . Rostenkowsi was defeated in the Republican primary of 1994 .
Rostenkowski first entered Congress in 1959 . He became chairman of the tax - writing Ways and Means Committee in 1990 . Rostenkowsi was defeated in the Republican primary of 1994 .