(Washington) - One member of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation has been named to the so-called super-committee that will attempt to come up with a proposal to cut the federal deficit by more than $1 trillion. Republican Senator Pat Toomey learned about his selection from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell this morning. The announcement comes one day after Toomey said in an appearance in Harrisburg that his prospects of landing on the panel were "not excellent." He says he's grateful to have the chance to make a contribution. The lawmaker says if the panel tackles tax policy, he hopes the goal would be to broaden the base and lower the rates to create an environment that's more conducive to economic growth. "That will also generate more revenue. A stronger economy always does," he said in a conference call with reporters. "As I mentioned, there are some provisions that are simply indefensible. So, I don't want to get into every possible permutation and combination." Toomey says the committee will have to work in a bipartisan manner to be successful. He adds his guiding principals heading into the process will be to address the federal deficit, while continuing to support pro-growth policies.

Here's the text of a statement released by Toomey's office today:

"I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve on this bipartisan committee and to be part of the important work we will be doing. In light of last week’s events, with the nation’s credit downgrade and the deep drop in the markets, it is all the more imperative that this committee do its job effectively and come up with a product that both tackles our debt crisis and can help revive our failing economy.

"Despite the difficulties ahead, I am committed to tackling this challenge and am hopeful that we can produce a proposal that seriously reduces our nation’s deficits and grows our economy. Throughout the debate over the debt ceiling, I stressed that we need a solution that achieves the dual goals of putting our government on a path toward a balance budget, and maximizing economic growth and enabling us to create the jobs we badly need. I remain committed to both of these vital goals."

It also contained a quote from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Toomey's selection:

"From his first day in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Toomey has demonstrated a deep understanding of fiscal matters and is a leader on budget and deficit issues. He drafted a budget proposal that was widely supported by the Republican caucus and was actively involved in the recent debt limit debate. His years of experience in the financial sector and on the House Budget Committee will also serve him well in his new role, along with an unwavering commitment to the principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. The American people know that we cannot dig ourselves out of this situation by nibbling around the edges, and I am confident that the Senate Republican appointments to the joint committee can be counted on to propose solutions that put the interests of all Americans ahead of any one political party."