U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was appointed today to a seat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for approving all federal discretionary funding, including economic stimulus plans.

The unanimous appointment by the Senate Republican caucus marks the first time that Maine has been represented on the influential panel since Margaret Chase Smith served on it in 1972.

Collins will retain her membership on the Senate Armed Services Committee, as well as her position as ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. She will also remain as a senior member of the Special Committee on Aging.

"I am delighted that Senate leaders have chosen me for this important position," Collins said in a prepared statement. "Our nation faces an extremely tight federal budget and economic experts confirm that we are in the midst of a recession. It is more crucial than ever that federal dollars are spent as wisely as possible."

Collins had sought one of several open seats on the Appropriations panel, but Senate rules ordinarily prohibit members from serving on more than one of the major committees, including Appropriations and Armed Services.

But Collins said the GOP caucus unanimously voted to waive the rules so she could claim a seat.

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