Lehigh Valley U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent will have a sought-after seat on a committee with a direct say in how federal dollars are spent.Dent found out Friday he’s been officially assigned to the Appropriations Committee, joining Democratic U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah of Philadelphia as the only Pennsylvanians on the panel.

And as the Republican, Dent will have the clout. The GOP assumes majority control of the U.S. House in January because of the November election.

“This appointment will bolster the voice of Pennsylvanians, especially those living in the 15th District, in critical discussions involving federal spending,” Dent said in a statement Friday.