Congressman Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh) has been appointed to the influential House Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal spending.

The committee exercises authority over federal spending in every department. This includes spending for the Department of Defense and their activities at Fort Drum, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and their work on behalf of farmers in New York, Customs and Border Patrol and myriad other departments and agencies that do important work in the North Country.

“I look forward to giving the North Country a voice in the committee’s important work,” said Owens. “This provides an opportunity to support investment in federal programs that help businesses and families in the 21st District while advocating for important economic drivers like Fort Drum. At the same time, we must work towards responsible cuts to federal spending to reduce the debt and set the country back on track towards fiscal responsibility.”

The committee can also play a central role reducing the deficit by eliminating wasteful and duplicative spending and allocating federal investments.

Previously, Owens served on the Agriculture Committee, the Armed Services Committee, and the Small Business Committee. His assignment to the exclusive Appropriations Committee requires that he step down from all other committees.

“I will ensure that farmers and small businesses in the district are represented on the committee as well so they have every opportunity to succeed and drive the local economy,” Owens said.