U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle has been chosen to serve as vice ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, the New York congressman announced Friday.

The committee has significant influence over federal spending.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I have the unique privilege of advocating for funding and resources that will have a direct impact on the Rochester community,” Morelle said in a statement. “As the new Vice Ranking Member of the committee, I will play a leadership role in ensuring the programs and services people rely on receive the support they need. I’m grateful to my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me, and I look forward to working closely with Ranking Member DeLauro to advance policies that lower costs for families, create opportunity, and invest in the future of our nation.”

Morelle will be the second-most top Democrat on the committee, behind Rep. Rosa DeLauro, of Connecticut.

“Congressman Morelle has fought hard to build, preserve, and protect investments that uplift American workers, middle class families, and our most vulnerable communities, and he understands and respects the enormous impact everything we do on this committee has on the nation,” DeLauro said in a statement.

The committee is chaired by Republican Rep. Tom Cole, of Oklahoma.

Morelle represents New York's 25th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Monroe County and parts of northwestern Ontario County, including Victor. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Defense and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science.