McMorris Rodgers biding for re-election

Fifth Congressional District Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced April 21 that she is seeking re-election to her sixth term in the U.S. Congress.

“Eastern Washington is very special. It’s the values I learned here and experience that I have here that guides me in Congress,” said McMorris Rodgers. “My goal is to empower individuals and families with the freedom to make choices, not a government that decides for you. It should be – as Abraham Lincoln said – a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It must reflect our eastern Washington values.”

During the past two years, her top priority has been to control federal spending and stop needless regulations from slowing economic growth and hindering new job creation.

“I helped push the Senate to adopt a budget, and we have actually reduced the amount of overall federal government spending for two years in a row – for the first time in 50 years,” she said.

Her Hydropower Efficiency Regulatory Act to promote small hydroelectric projects was one of only 72 bills signed into law last year. It passed unanimously through both the House and the Senate. Another of her bills regarding pediatric research was also signed into law.

In addition, McMorris Rodgers pointed to passage of the Farm Bill, including language to allow continued scientific management of forest roads, as a key accomplishment during the past term.

“I am working to do more than stop bad policy,” she said. “I am working to put forward positive, pragmatic solutions for tax reform, immigration, and health care.”

McMorris Rodgers was elected by her colleagues in 2012 to be chair of the House Republican Conference. She is the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress. In January 2014 she delivered the Republican response to the President’s State of the Union address to a nationwide audience.

McMorris Rodgers said that through her leadership post she advances eastern Washington priorities and brings a woman’s perspective to top Republican consultations.

“I take pride in being a Representative that is reflective of the good people who sent me to Congress,” she said. “I’ve been – and want to continue being – a Representative who is accessible and approachable by everyone, who brings people together and who is part of the solution.”

McMorris Rodgers is leading the effort in Congress to bring the new KC-46A tankers to Fairchild Air Force Base, secure funding to complete the North Spokane Freeway, expand hydropower production, bring a medical school to Spokane and protect rural health care.

She is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. About half of all legislation pertaining to the economy must pass through that committee. She is also co-founder of the bipartisan Military Families Caucus and Hydropower Caucus.

She has won re-election the last three cycles with over 60 percent of the vote.

Before running for Congress in 2004, McMorris Rodgers served in the state House, ascending to the role of Republican leader. While serving in the state House, McMorris Rodgers worked in her family business, Peachcrest Fruitbasket orchard and fruit stand located in Kettle Falls.

In August 2006, she married Brian Rodgers, a retired Navy commander. The couple has three children: Cole 7; Grace 3 and Brynn five months.