U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, has been appointed to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, a significant assignment for north Alabama's military commands. The appointment was announced by Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky.

"Given the history of working with Redstone Arsenal over the years I have seen first-hand the important role northern Alabama and the entire state plays in our national defense, particularly as it relates to missile defense," Aderholt said in a statement. "This is particularly important as the Department of Defense continues to transition to meet new threats."

The subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J. He said Aderholt's "experience, intellect and command of the issues will add immeasurably to the strong team of members already on the subcommittee."

"As he is a strong believer in fiscal responsibility, I look forward to working with him on the subcommittee to improve military readiness and by making every dollar of defense spending count," Freylinghuysen said.

The subcommittee sets annual appropriation levels and has federal spending oversight for the Departments of Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency and intelligence community staff.

Aderholt is serving in his ninth term representing Alabama's Fourth Congressional District. He is chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.