U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovua) was appointed on Friday by House Republican leadership to sit on the House Appropriations Committee.

Much like the appropriations committee in the Senate, the House committee, currently chaired by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), holds significant sway over federal spending, dictating all discretionary spending and how federal tax dollars are used. Each year, the Appropriations Committee follows a structured process where committee members manage, oversee and determine the appropriate spending level to allocate to each agency, department and program.

Strong, who represents the northern part of the state with a significant presence of both federal agencies and government contractors, welcomed his new position in the soon-to-be Trump administration. He will be the first person serving in the state's 5th congressional district to sit on the appropriations committee.

"It's past time we put America First," Strong said. "Those that serve on this committee are not seeking to be popular and are willing to take the tough votes to save America for future generations. Chairman Tom Cole understands the changes that must be made, and I am honored to serve alongside him. Our time is now!"

He continued, "Alabama has a decades-spanning history of powerful service on the Appropriations Committee. This assignment ensures our state's historical influence on how federal dollars are spent continues."

Alabama's U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) and the outgoing Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) currently serve on the committee.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

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