WASHINGTON (December 13, 2006) Congressman Ben Chandler was selected today by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to serve on the exclusive House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations.  Chandler will be the first member from Central Kentucky to hold a seat on this committee since 1891. 

“I hope with this new committee assignment I will be in a better position to serve the people of Central Kentucky,” said Chandler.  “It’s an honor to be selected by my Democratic colleagues for this most important seat, and I look forward to my new duties as a member of this exclusive committee.” 

The Committee on Appropriations is one of five exclusive committees in Congress.  The other committees are Rules, Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Financial Services. As of result of its exclusive status, Chandler will be giving up his seat on the International Relations, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.

“As a member of the new majority party in Congress and now a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am excited about the opportunity this presents to further benefit my district,” said Chandler. 

Previously only two other individuals from Central Kentucky have served on the Appropriations Committee-Joseph C.S. Blackburn from 1879-1883 and William C.P. Breckinridge from 1889-1891. 

As standard procedure for committee assignments, Chandler’s selection to the Appropriations Committee will be subject to a vote by the entire Democratic caucus in January. 

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