U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) attended a community luncheon at Happy Top in Beattyville, Kentucky on Monday, August 19th to provide a Washington update and to honor a member of his staff on the House Appropriations Committee, Will Smith, who is a native of Lee County.

"I've been fighting to cut waste from Washington and rein in overreaching agencies like the EPA and the IRS. My main advisor and legislative engineer for those cuts and policy reforms has been your very own, Will Smith from Beattyville," said Rogers who serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "Will is one of the smartest political tacticians in Washington and I'm proud that he is an Eastern Kentuckian."

Rogers presented Smith with an Award of Appreciation for serving on his staff for the last 15 years.

"In a town where a lot of people lose their way, he never let me forget where I came from," said Smith, who was promoted to Staff Director of the House Appropriations Committee in March. "He consistently reminds me there's always someone who needs a helping hand and there's always something that needs fixing."

The Hill, a congressional newspaper in Washington, DC recently named Smith one of the 100 people to watch this fall.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

PHOTO: Rogers Honors Will Smith

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