BREMERTON — Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Bremerton, was named by his Democratic colleagues to the House Appropriations Committee for the 114th Congress.

The Appropriations Committee is one of only four “exclusive” committees in the House — the other three being Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services.

The committee is responsible for discretionary spending on government agencies and programs. Each year the committee is tasked with producing 12 annual appropriations bills.

The Constitution stipulates that Congress, through the House and Senate Appropriations Committee, oversees federal spending.  The committee was Kilmer’s top committee request.

“This is a huge deal for our region,” former Rep. Norm Dicks said in a pres release from Kilmer’s office. “Having spent my congressional career on this committee, I can tell you it’s a critical place to get things done.  Derek will do us proud.”

“Since his election to Congress, Derek has been a staunch supporter of our local naval presence and has been a key partner in our economic development efforts in Bremerton and Kitsap County,” Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent said.

“His new role on the Appropriations Committee will allow him to continue to advocate for strategic investments at our local bases and to help retain and create good jobs here in our community.”