From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, has received an appointment to the powerful House Appropriations Committee, a rare assignment for a first-term lawmaker, a Nov. 14 press release stated.

“The House Appropriations Committee is widely considered one of the most influential committees in the House of Representatives, as it holds the power of the purse and is responsible for all congressional expenditures. Its members usually sit on no other committees,” the release added

“To date, Edwards has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget, and Oversight and Accountability committees. His appointment comes after the retirement of 10-year U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02), who had served on the committee.

“Edwards will be the only North Carolina House member — Republican or Democrat — on the committee, and will become the first North Carolina House Republican to serve on the committee since former Western North Carolina Congressman Charles Taylor,” Edwards’ press release noted.