FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers has been re-elected to a second term as chairman of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.

Colleagues in the House Republican Conference voted on Wednesday. Rogers said he is honored and grateful to get a second term.

A beloved political figure in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Rogers has served in Congress since 1981. He's known for his success in funneling federal dollars into his impoverished Appalachian district. That's won him praise from constituents and consternation from some taxpayer groups.

In a statement, Rogers said he has been proud to oversee the committee's work of appropriating federal tax dollars under an open and transparent process. He said he looks forward to helping to reduce unnecessary government spending and investing in important programs.