Richard Shelby selected to chair powerful Senate spending panel

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Richard Shelby
[Photo Credit: Richard Shelby Facebook]

Republicans on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee selected Alabama’s senior Sen. Richard Shelby as their new chairman Monday. On Tuesday, the full Senate confirmed the selection to serve as chairman for the remainder of the 115th Congress.

“My colleagues have placed their trust in me to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I am honored to serve our nation in this new capacity,” said Shelby. “This is a remarkable opportunity. I look forward to working with Vice Chairman Leahy and the entire committee as we continue the practice of writing and approving bills that responsibly allocate funding for the activities and duties of the federal government.”

Shelby continued, “It is a privilege to continue serving the people of the great state of Alabama and the entire nation in this new position of leadership.”

In addition to serving as chairman of the full Committee on Appropriations, Senator Shelby will also assume the chairmanship of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

It is the responsibility of the Senate Appropriations Committee to write funding bills and oversee the implementation of the legislation by the executive branch. The Subcommittee on Defense specifically focuses on national security priorities, providing the necessary funding to support our military and other defense operations.  

“I am proud to take on a larger role, helping to secure funding to strengthen our military,” Shelby added. “With heightened global instability, as well as diverse and complex threats currently facing the United States, national security is of the utmost importance.”  

Shortly after the confirmation, Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne extended his congratulations to Shelby.

“Congratulations to Senator Shelby on being selected as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Bryne said in a statement. “Over the years, Senator Shelby has been a steadfast champion for Alabama’s priorities, and I have no doubt his efforts will continue in this prestigious position.”

Senator Shelby previously served as vice chairman of the committee for the 113th Congress.

Shelby has also served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Senate Banking Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.