Cathy McMorris Rodgers is Eastern Washington’s chief advocate in Congress, serving as the representative for the state’s 5th Congressional District. Since first being elected to the House in 2004, she has earned the trust of her constituents and praise on Capitol Hill for her hard work, conservative principles, bipartisan outreach, and leadership to get results for Eastern Washington. Growing up on an orchard and fruit stand in Kettle Falls, working at her family’s small business, and later becoming a wife and working mom of three, Cathy has lived the American Dream. Now, she works every day to rebuild that dream for our children and grandchildren.
We will never be able to repay the debt we owe to the men and women who selflessly served our country, but I believe we must do more to honor our promise to provide them with access to the best health care and benefits possible. Unfortunately, we have seen instances in recent years where the VA has lost sight of its mission to put veterans first, which is why I continue to champion solutions that hold the VA accountable and improve how it works.
For example, I led the Faster Care for Veterans Act to help streamline the scheduling process for veterans and bring the VA into the 21st century. I was proud to see this bill signed into law. I have also been leading efforts to restore 24-hour urgent care for veterans at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center ever since it closed in 2014. No matter the time of day, you know you have a place to go. This urgent care facility has the potential to save lives, and I am committed to seeing it through to the finish line.
Additionally, I believe we must do more to address the mental health crisis our veterans are facing. Too many of our nation’s heroes struggle with their own self-worth as a result of the invisible scars of war, which is why I am committed to expanding access to mental health services for our veterans. In 2007, I worked with my colleagues to get the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act signed into law to raise awareness of suicide among veterans suffering from PTSD and to direct the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs to develop and carry out a program to help reduce the high risk of suicide among veterans.
It’s extremely important to me that all veterans, no matter their circumstances, are treated with the care and gratitude they deserve. The Veterans Identification Card Act I worked on is a critical part in making sure veterans receive that respect. The legislation was signed into law in 2015 and gives any veteran a chance of receiving this proof of service no matter their length of time on active duty or eligibility of military related disability.
In 2006, I helped pass the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act which amended the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the Armed Forces to include their combat zone compensation in their earned income to allow for tax deductions to be contributed to retirement savings plans.
The bottom line is that I am optimistic we can find solutions for our veterans. I will not waver in my fight to create a 21st Century Department of Veterans Affairs.
America’s infrastructure is in need of repair and improvement. A reliable and robust transportation infrastructure system is critical to maintaining a sound economy in Eastern Washington. Funding for our nation’s roads, railroads, and waterways can go a long way towards creating jobs and supporting local economies.
Rather than picking winners and losers with ‘pie-the-sky’ government mandates, we should be embracing an all-the-above energy and infrastructure strategy to protect jobs, low energy costs, and our national security.
I have long been a supporter of making real infrastructure investments in our communities, which is why I have led the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act, a bill to fund transit projects like commuter rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit in low income and underserved areas.
Making investments in our communities is one of the best ways to ensure we continue driving our economy to new heights, which is exactly what I am focused on in Congress.
Big Tech has broken my trust. They’ve failed to promote the battle of ideas and free speech by censoring political viewpoints they disagree with. They also don’t do enough to keep our children safe or address illegal content on their platforms. They have not proven that they can be good and responsible stewards of their platforms.
As Republican Leader on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am leading a comprehensive package of discussion draft bills to hold Big Tech accountable by improving transparency and content moderation accountability, reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, promoting competition, and preventing illegal and harmful activity on their platforms.
I will continue to lead and encourage Big Tech to embrace American values that support democracy and usher in a new American era of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, while also protecting and promoting civil liberties.
I was proud to lead the way on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2017. This historic legislation overhauled our broken tax code for the first time in over 30 years, and it improved the lives of everyday Americans and their families by creating more jobs, flatter taxes, and bigger paychecks.
Additionally, I have co-sponsored dozens of bills to help grow our economy — including legislation to repeal the government takeover of health care, the REINS Act, the Energy Tax Prevention Act, and the “Path to Prosperity” budget. I am also a strong advocate for the Balanced Budget Amendment.
Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate for policies that unleash the power of free minds and free markets; and I will continue to oppose policies that take money out of the hands of hard-working taxpayers to reward the special interests.
During my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to visit Israel on several occasions. These visits reaffirmed to me the special relationship the United States and Israel share. We are partners in national defense, technology, agricultural innovation, democracy, freedom of religion, and many other areas. The people of Israel want nothing more than to live in peace with their neighbors—unfortunately, too many of whom do not share this interest.
I am a strong supporter and advocate for the nation of Israel, and I support its need to defend itself from terrorist organizations like Hamas. I believe that we must do whatever we can to reassure Israel and its residents that the United States stands firmly behind them.
Our parents and grandparents are getting older. As the people responsible for making us who we are today, we owe it to them to ensure that they have everything they need to enjoy their retirement.
In Congress, I have worked to protect Social Security, create a simplified tax form, and ensure access to health care. I believe that Social Security must be put on a path toward fiscal sustainability without cutting benefits to those who are currently on it or nearing retirement.
I also believe access to quality, long-term care is a critical part of stabilizing overall health care for our aging populations. I am committed to working on policies that empower our seniors on Medicare, and I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure seniors have access to comprehensive, coordinated coverage at significantly lower out-of-pocket cost.
Gun control is complex, and people on both sides of the issue have deeply held convictions. I support the rights of law-abiding Americans to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including hunting, self-defense, collecting, and recreational shooting. We must engage in serious and sober discussions about how to stop gun violence while protecting our Second Amendment rights. 
My goal will always be to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have access. This starts with looking for solutions that make sure warning signs don’t go unanswered before it’s too late. We should also give law enforcement the tools they need to intervene when there are threats of gun violence without violating the due process rights of law-abiding citizens.
I believe we must be good stewards of our natural resources and environment. In Washington State, our environment is vital to our economy. Our natural resources closely support our timber, tourism, recreation, and transportation industries, creating thousands of jobs and fueling our state economy.
As we work together to combat climate change risks, we must play a role in reducing carbon emissions, which is why I have fought for years for the advancement of clean energy solutions like hydropower, nuclear energy, biomass, and hydrogen fuel cells.
However, we must be careful not to restrict federal land to the point that we become dependent on China for our rare earth minerals and other natural resources that we rely on every day. Instead, we must focus on real, sustainable solutions in the United States that allow us to maintain our energy independence and secure a cleaner energy future
The number one responsibility of the federal government is to keep our country safe, and I’m a firm proponent of our nation’s armed services. Funding the military and providing for our defense is one of the most important functions of Congress.
When someone joins the military, it’s not just a job—it’s a family commitment to our country. That’s why it’s so important that we honor our service members and their families, listen to their needs, and make sure Congress is working on their behalf.
In 2009, I co-founded The Congressional Military Family Caucus to provide military spouses and families a voice in Congress and build bipartisan support for legislation to help military families. Each year, we co-host the Congressional Military Family Summit to discuss the most pressing issues facing military families today — pay and benefits, community integration and transition, and the health and well-being of their families and children.
I will never waiver in my commitment to supporting our nation’s Armed Forces, and providing them the resources necessary to maintain a vital global presence that allows them to face current threats and prepare for new ones is critical.
I believe that in order to keep our communities safe, we must do more to support our men and women who put on the uniform each and every day. At the same time, recent tragic events across the country have highlighted the importance of ensuring justice for all — no matter race, creed, or religion. The rule of law depends on the fairness of our legal system.
Congress must work together to seek reforms to policing in America and work to rebuild the trust that has been broken. We must also increase transparency and accountability within local police departments and prioritize training resources so our police can better protect and serve our communities.
We must never turn our backs on those who keep us safe. Our men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line, work on holidays, and miss their child’s sporting event for us. Their sacrifice allows us to sleep easy at night knowing that they are out there keeping crime and dangerous drugs off of our streets. I will always be a strong and proud supporter of our law enforcement.
America has long been a land of immigrants—men and women, young and old, who came here seeking freedom and the opportunity for a better life. Today, however, America’s immigration system is broken and in need of real solutions. I support efforts to strengthen border security as the first step in developing a fair and workable immigration system that will protect the American people, enforce our nation’s laws, and strengthen our economy.
For years, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure our borders, provide certainty for children who have been brought to our country illegally through no fault of their own, and ensure a workable guest worker program for our agriculture community. Still, there is a lot more work that needs to be done to achieve real, bipartisan immigration reform.
To achieve our shared goals, we must develop and debate immigration policy within the legislative branch to ensure we give this issue the compassion and thoughtfulness it deserves.
Expanding access to quality and affordable medical care in Eastern Washington, especially in rural areas, will always be one of my top priorities. Individuals and families in Eastern Washington should not have to live in fear over how they will pay for their prescription medications, especially when they are living with a rare or chronic illness. All across the country, the cost of prescription drugs continues to skyrocket. This is why it is so important to stand on the side of innovation, so we can achieve more medical breakthroughs and help millions of people manage the symptoms they experience every day.
As Lead Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am leading the Lower Costs, More Cures Act to drive down drug prices for individuals and families in Eastern Washington without limiting access to cures. This legislation is about building on the progress we’ve made with 21st Century Cures to help bring more generic drugs to market faster, make insulin more affordable for our loved ones, lower out-of-pocket spending for seniors, boost access to new medicines and cures, and bring much-needed transparency to drug pricing. Thanks to American ingenuity and innovation, we are on the verge of some amazing breakthroughs.
I believe we should allow businesses to pool together to purchase insurance, permit insurance to be sold across state lines, and limit junk lawsuits. We should also promote healthier lifestyles, deploy new health technologies, and expand access to care in rural areas. That’s what the American people want and deserve.
I also continue to play an active role in advancing affordable, patient-centered health care reforms. As co-chair of the Rural Health Caucus, I advocate for better access to affordable and quality health care services in our rural communities, and in early 2018, my legislation to extend and expand the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program was signed into law, which will help meet the doctor shortage in rural and underserved areas.
In 2015, my Steve Gleason Act was also signed into law to provide a temporary fix to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy that limited access to speech-generating devices for people with ALS, like Spokane-native Steve Gleason, and other degenerative diseases. In 2018, the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act was signed into law to make that fix permanent.
Finally, I am committed to ensuring those with disabilities and other pre-existing conditions are guaranteed access to coverage. My Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act would provide guaranteed access to coverage, prohibit pre-existing conditions benefit exclusion, and ban a premium rating based on health status.
This is one of my top priorities to bring down costs and help individuals keep control over their health care decisions.
Active forest management on federal forest land, state and local collaboration on management projects, and strong initial response to wildfires are the keys to protecting communities and making forests in the Pacific Northwest healthy again.
Projects like A to Z on the Colville National Forest should be the model for how public-private partnerships can achieve real results for forests and create economic opportunities in rural communities. I was proud to support the development of this project.
In 2018, I helped usher permanent reforms into law to support partnerships at the federal, state and local levels to advance forest management projects and reduce the risk of these catastrophic wildfires. I also led in fixing “fire borrowing” at the U.S. Forest Service to correct budgetary issues and ensure the Forest Service has the resources it needs to fight fires and complete management projects.
I have also long been a leader in extending the Secure Rural Schools program, which provides funding for rural, timber-dependent counties to fund public and municipal needs like infrastructure, public schools, law enforcement and more.
I am dedicated to encouraging active forest management on federal forest land, local collaboration and decision-making within national forests, and reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to timber-dependent communities.
Clearly, the climate is changing, and global industrial activity is a contributing factor. Humans must play a role in reducing carbon emissions and being good stewards of our natural resources, which is why I have fought for years for the advancement of clean energy solutions.
While I agree that we must address climate change, Democrats’ pie-in-the-sky, top-down government approach will only cripple America with debt, destroy jobs, and empower China to beat us in the global economy. Instead, we must do it the American way – with freedom to create, not socialism to control.
To win the future, we must utilize an all-of-the-above energy strategy that unleashes American innovation and delivers real results. As Lead Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am leading the Securing Cleaner American Energy agenda to address climate change risks and spur the development and deployment of clean energy infrastructure.
Our response must include real, workable solutions that unleash innovation in hydropower, nuclear, clean coal, and natural gas to make energy cleaner, reduce emissions, prioritize energy security, and keep energy costs low.
I also strongly support working to improve salmon returns here in the Pacific Northwest, which is why we must be a driving force to stop the illegal dumping of toxic pollution into Puget Sound that is jeopardizing critical salmon stocks and further endangering the orca population in the Pacific Ocean. The challenges before us are great, but together, I’m confident we can find the right path forward.
As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I understand the importance of education for opportunity and success. Our students in Eastern Washington deserve the best education possible, and I don’t believe we’ll get there with a “one-size-fits-all” approach dictated by the federal government. We need to give states and local school districts the freedom and flexibility they need to innovate and encourage our students to succeed.
As the mother of three young children, I want them to be defined by their potential, not by their limitations. I want them, and children across the United States, to have every opportunity. Children are the future of this nation, and we must ensure that they are provided with an education that places them on a solid foundation on which they can thrive.
Providing our children with the best educational opportunities our country has to offer means we must continue having important conversations around school choice. I believe every parent should have the option to send their children to the school that will work best for their kids, whether that be public school, a charter school, or a private school.
For the future of every student, ​​we need an education system that empowers state governments, local school boards, and parents, and provides all students with an education that enables them to live up to their full potential.
In December 2014, I led Congress in a big first step toward supporting individuals with disabilities to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives by passing the ABLE Act. This landmark legislation, which was the most bipartisan piece of legislation in the 113th Congress, created Section 529A tax-exempt savings accounts for disability-related expenses, allowing Americans with disabilities to invest in their education, pay for medical expenses, and look for a job. To this day, getting the ABLE Act signed into law with such strong, bipartisan support is one of my proudest achievements while serving in Congress.
Knowing our work was far from over, I continued this leadership with the passage of my ABLE to Work Act, which allows an ABLE beneficiary who earns income for a job to save up to the Federal Poverty Level. I also wrote and had signed into law the ABLE Financial Planning Act. This legislation allows for rollovers from a 529 to a 529A account, but still maintains the annual contribution limit of $14,000. This policy would allow individuals who may have been saving for their child’s college tuition, which is now no longer needed, to rollover up to the maximum contribution each year until the 529 account has been depleted.
We’ve come a long way, but our work is far from over. I am continuing my work on the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which would raise the age limit for eligibility to open an ABLE account from age 26 to 46. Increasing the age limit allows access to ABLE accounts for individuals who may face debilitating diseases, accidents or mental illnesses later in life, including multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and paralysis or other ailments due to an accident.
I also believe disability employment is the next policy frontier to empower people with disabilities to live full and independent lives. A job is so much more than just a paycheck, it’s what gives us dignity, purpose, and the opportunity for a better life.
That’s why I am the proud leader of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act to phase out a provision in current law that allows companies to pay people with disabilities subminimum wages.
In Congress, I will continue to be a proud supporter of life, and I will keep working to increase educational opportunities, remove employment disincentives, encourage community living, advance research, modernize Medicaid, and simplify the tax code to better suit the needs of individuals with disabilities. As the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus, I also continue to educate my colleagues about Down syndrome, the latest research, and the policy changes we should pursue in Congress.
The United States is blessed with tremendous energy resources — and we need an energy strategy that embraces American energy dominance and innovation. We need a bold, comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy strategy to win the future and secure cleaner American energy. This must include real, workable solutions that unleash innovation in hydropower, nuclear, clean coal, and natural gas to reduce emissions, prioritize energy security, and keep energy costs low.
My Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act is just one example of my work to ensure Eastern Washington continues to lead the way on clean, renewable, affordable, and reliable energy for generations to come. The way we solve the climate crisis is through free-market technological innovation, and in addition to expanding hydropower resources, this legislation supports the development of next-generation hydro technology that can increase clean energy production and further decrease environmental impact.
To this day, I continue fighting to protect the Columbia and Snake River dams. Any proposals to breach these dams is a non-starter for me because these dams are responsible for generating 70% of Washington State’s energy, creating thousands of jobs, mitigating dangerous flood risks, and keeping our energy costs at some of the lowest in the country.
Additionally, the bipartisan Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act, which I co-authored, streamlined the permitting process for small hydropower and conduit projects. The legislation passed the House unanimously and was signed into law by the President in 2013.
The bottom line is that by investing in American energy and reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, we can lower energy prices and retake control of our economic destiny.
I support policies that empower the private sector – especially small businesses – to create jobs and spur economic growth. Small businesses are responsible for 70% of America’s jobs, and when the government grows, it crowds out growth in the private sector. We need to simplify the tax code, stop burdensome government regulations, promote smart trade deals, reduce government spending, and balance the budget. That will give small business owners the confidence they need to invest, innovate, and expand.
I was proud to lead the way on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2017. This historic legislation overhauled our broken tax code for the first time in over 30 years, and it improved the lives of everyday Americans and their families by creating more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks.
Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate for policies that unleash American innovation and ingenuity, promote free-market principles, and help us win the future in a global economy.
Like most Americans, I am gravely concerned by the federal government’s out-of-control spending and borrowing, which is harming our economy today and threatening the future of the American Dream. Time and time again, Democrats embrace outlandish tax and spend policies that deliver results that speak for themselves – higher taxes, skyrocketing inflation, and less money in your pocket.
As a result of this out-of-control spending, our national debt has swelled to historic levels, creating a mountain of debt that our children and grandchildren will bear the burden of. We must get it under control before it’s too late.
The only way to get our fiscal house in order is to reduce government spending. I believe that restoring trust and confidence in representative government starts with ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
That’s why I have led on the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act, which aims to restore the American people’s “power of the purse” by eliminating unauthorized spending or “Zombie” programs — spending on government programs that haven’t been authorized by the people’s representatives in Congress. Every year, unauthorized spending accounts for roughly $300 billion in federal spending. This bill ensures that every penny of taxpayer money is subject to the scrutiny of the American people. It means that the people’s representatives are doing their jobs to effectively review, rethink, and possibly eliminate programs that are no longer needed — a change that is long overdue.
I am also a strong champion for a balanced budget amendment, a line-item veto, and a constitutional amendment to limit government spending to 20% of the U.S. economy. These institutional reforms are critical to America’s future.
Broadband is basic infrastructure in today’s 21st Century economy, but for too many people in Eastern Washington, it’s still not a reality. One of the main challenges we face is having accurate data about the areas that have access and where we need to improve. Accurate access maps are the first step towards improving connectivity in our communities.
In June 2019, I introduced the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 to revamp the broadband mapping process so that federal agencies and private industry could target improvements to the areas that need it most. In March 2020, important provisions from this legislation were signed into law by President Trump as part of the Broadband DATA Act.
As Lead Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am taking steps to build on this progress by working on solutions designed to target resources to rural and truly unserved communities, remove regulatory barriers to deployment, streamline permitting processes, and unleash private investment to finally close the digital divide once and for all.
I grew up in a farming family with deep roots in Eastern Washington. Alongside my parents and younger brother, I worked on our family’s orchard and later helped manage the family business.
I have a deep understanding of the important role agriculture plays as Eastern Washington’s number one industry, which is why I will always fight for our farmers and ranchers. I am working hard to protect crop insurance from cuts, open new trade markets and support robust funding for agriculture research like the transformative work being led byWashington State University.
It is also critical that Congress comes together to protect and enhance existing water supplies and storage; ensure the viability of our rural communities; and protect transportation routes for farmers to get their crops to market. That’s why I will always fight to protect the Columbia and Snake River Dams ,which are essential infrastructure in Eastern Washington. Farmers in Washington State provide food security to communities across the country and the world!
Thank you, Chair Schakowsky, and welcome to our witnesses. I appreciate your work to highlight online deception. Last Congress, Chairman Walden led several hearings on platform responsibility, before it became the popular cause it is today.
“Disinformation is not a new problem. It was also an issue 130 years ago when Joseph Pulitzer and the New York World and William Randolph Hearst and the New York Journal led the age of quote, ‘yellow journalism.’
“Just like ‘clickbait’ on online platforms today, fake and sensational headlines sold newspapers and boosted advertising revenue. With far more limited sources of information available in the 1890s, the American public lost trust in the media. To rebuild trust, newspapers had to clean up their act. Now the name Pulitzer is associated with something very different.
“I believe we are at a similar inflection point today. We are losing faith in sources we can trust online. To rebuild it, this subcommittee, our witness panel, and members of the media are putting the spotlight on abuses and deception. Our Committee’s past leadership and constructive debates have already led to efforts by platforms to take action.
“Just this week Facebook announced a new policy to combat deep fakes, in part by utilizing Artificial Intelligence. I appreciate Ms. Bickert for coming here to discuss this in greater detail.
“’Deep fakes’ and disinformation can be handled with innovation and empowering people with more information. On the platforms they choose and trust, it’s a far more productive outcome when people can make the best decisions for themselves, rather than relying on the government to make decisions for them. That’s why we should be focusing on innovation for major breakthroughs… Not more regulations or government mandates.
“As we discuss ways to combat manipulation online, we must ensure America will remain the global leader in AI development. There’s no better place in the world to raise people’s standard of living and make sure this technology is used responsibly.
“Software is already available to face swap, lip-sync, and create facial reenactment to fabricate content. As frightening as this is, we can also be using AI to go after bad actors and fight fire with fire. We cannot afford to shy away from it, because who would you rather lead the world in machine learning technology? America or China?
“China is sharing its AI-surveillance technology with other authoritarian governments like in Venezuela. It’s also using this technology to control and suppress ethnic minorities, including the Uighurs in Chinese concentration camps. The New York Times reported just last month that China is collecting DNA samples of Uighers, and could be using this data to create images of their faces.
“Could China be building a tool to further track and crackdown on minorities and political dissidents? Imagine the propaganda and lies they could develop with this technology behind the Great Chinese Firewall where there’s no free speech or an independent press to hold the Communist Party accountable.
“This is why America must lead the world in AI development. By upholding our American values, we can use this as a force for good and save people’s lives. For example, AI technology and deep-learning algorithms can help us detect cancers earlier and more quickly. Clinical trials are already making major breakthroughs to diagnose cancers. The continued leadership of our innovators is crucial to make sure we have tools to combat online deception too.
“To win the future in a global economy, America should be writing the rules for this technology so real people—not an authoritarian state like China—are empowered.
“I’m also glad we’re putting a spotlight on ‘dark patterns.’ Deceptive ads, fake reviews, and bots are the latest version of robocall scams. I’m pleased that the FTC has used its Section 5 authority to target this fraud and protect people. We should get their input as we discuss how to handle dark patterns.
“We must be careful where we legislate so we don’t harm practices that people enjoy. A heavy-handed regulation will make it impossible for online retailers to provide discounts. This would especially hurt lower and middle-income families. In the digital marketplace, services people enjoy should not get swallowed up by a strict definition of a ‘dark pattern.’
“How we make these distinctions is important. I’m looking forward to today’s discussion. Thank you again to our panel. Thank you, and I yield back.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement on President Trump’s strike against Iranian terrorist Qasem Soleimani.
“President Trump’s action sends an important message to those who wish to do us harm. Qasem Soleimani is a terrorist who actively aided and supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. He is responsible for the death and injury of thousands of Americans,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This decisive strike was a defensive action against imminent threats and plans to attack more Americans and our allies. I support our Commander in Chief. I encourage the administration to engage with Congress on this moving forward so we can be strategic in avoiding escalation and in protecting American lives and American interests.”
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From my family to yours, Happy Hanukkah.
The Festival of Lights comes each year as winter’s dark days are closing in on us. The miracle of Hanukkah—when the lamps in the Temple shone for eight days—is a reminder to us all that even in depths and darkness of despair, it’s our faith in God where we can find hope and light.
Today, when you light the Hanukkah candles, may you bask in the warm glow of celebration with your family. May we also together give thanks to the many blessings and God-given rights we share, especially for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following joint statement after Washington Governor Jay Inslee released a public draft of the Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, the product of a $750,000 state-funded study on breaching the federally-owned and operated Snake River dams in Central and Eastern Washington:
“What this report tells us is Governor Inslee spent three-quarters of a million dollars and a year’s time to conclude ‘there are differing perspectives’ and ‘more information needed’ on this issue,” said Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers. “We had no idea a year ago when we said this study would be a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars just how accurate we’d be – imagine how far $750,000 could have gone to directly support salmon recovery efforts. Every taxpayer in our state should be outraged.”
Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers continued, “We will continue to work in Congress with local stakeholders and federal partners—who are already conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis based on science, not opinions—to improve salmon recovery and fish passage within the federally-owned and operated dam system while maintaining and optimizing the clean, renewable hydroelectric power our communities and economies rely on. In the meantime, since the Governor’s so-called ‘public workshops’ next month will not allow for public testimony, we encourage all community members to submit their comments and concerns on the report to ensure our voices are heard.”
The Lower Snake River Dam Stakeholder Engagement Report is open for public comment until January 24, 2020. Find information about how to submit your public comment online, by e-mail, or by mail here.
There will be three public workshops to discuss the findings of the study, which will include a presentation of the report followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. Per the Governor’s Office, there will not be time for public testimony during the workshops. Audience members may submit written questions to be asked of the panel if time is available, and written comments will be accepted.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the House.
“Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation. 90 percent of the wheat grown in Eastern Washington every year is exported outside of the U.S., and without open markets, our farmers are at a disadvantage,” said Cathy. “I’m grateful for President Trump’s leadership to negotiate a new and improved NAFTA. Passage of USMCA has been delayed long enough, and I was proud to vote in favor of this agreement today. Let’s get USMCA signed into law so the Trump administration can continue negotiating new trade agreements that put American farmers, producers, and manufacturers first.”
NOTE: Cathy was on the whip team in the House working to build support for this agreement, and earlier this month, she joined 158 Republican colleagues in urging the Democratic majority to bring USMCA up for a vote. You can read that letter by clicking here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, released the following statement in response to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the case of Texas v. Azar.
“Yesterday the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Obamacare’s individual mandate—which forced people to purchase coverage they couldn’t afford and didn’t like—was unconstitutional. That’s why we repealed it in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” said McMorris Rodgers. “It’s frightening that Democrats are doubling down on policies like Medicare for All that will lurch America towards socialized medicine with a complete government takeover of our healthcare system. To win the future, we need healthcare solutions that bring down costs, create price transparency, improve care and choice, and enhance access to new cures and treatments.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, issued the following statement recognizing the five-year anniversary of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which created Section 529A tax-exempt savings accounts for disability-related expenses. The ABLE Act was signed into law on December 19, 2014.
“Today we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the ABLE Act. It’s comes at a historic time in America when a record number of people with disabilities are coming off the sidelines and finding a job—a job that means so much more than a paycheck. It’s foundational to building a better life.
“A life full of opportunity and independence is what I dream for my son Cole, who was born with Down syndrome. He’s 12 years old, and I’ve learned not to put any limitations on him. He’s inspired me to be an ability advocate because he’s opened my eyes to the value and potential of every life. That’s what ABLE accounts are all about. They are helping people with disabilities at every stage of their lives. With an ABLE account, people can invest in their education, pay for medical expenses, and look for a job. When they find a job, it can even help them cover the cost of getting to work. In short, ABLE puts our focus on every person’s abilities and God-given talents, not their limitations.
“Just like we did in tax reform to expand ABLE accounts, we need more solutions that build on the legacy of the ABLE Act and empower more people to live with dignity and reach their potential, especially in America’s booming economy. That means further closing the gap between the many Americans with disabilities looking for work and the fraction of those who find it.”
Note: Cathy McMorris Rodgers is serving her eighth term representing and advocating for people in the 5th District of Washington. She is a leader on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. McMorris Rodgers is a mom of three and an ability advocate for her son, Cole, who has Down syndrome. She led to ensure the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was written with families who have children with disabilities in mind. Key provisions of her “ABLE 2.0” legislative package became law in tax reform to empower people with disabilities to save more of what they earn and to explore the workforce so they can find a job that affirms their dignity and purpose.
Just like she did in tax reform, Cathy is leading on Autonomous Vehicle solutions that will transform the lives of people with disabilities. In October, Cathy spoke about her leadership on ABLE and autonomous vehicles at the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters for the Access and Mobility for All Summit. CLICK HERE to read and watch her remarks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ hyper-partisan impeachment sham.
“Since the 2016 election, Democrats have refused to accept the results and are on a desperate crusade to impeach President Trump by any means necessary,” said Cathy. “They don’t have the evidence, they don’t have the bipartisan support they said is necessary, and they haven’t conducted a fair process or followed House rules. Plain and simple, this hyper-partisan impeachment is a sham and I refuse to support it.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05) to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable and just compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s. Having previously passed through the Senate, the bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“The Spokane Tribe of Indians has waited for almost 80 years to receive just and equitable compensation for the land, life, and culture they lost when the Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. This corrects a flawed adjudication process that left the Spokane out,” Cantwell said. “Today, the Department of Interior, Republicans, and Democrats stand together to right this historic wrong, which will allow the Tribe to invest in regional economic development opportunities.”
“The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam positively transformed our region in countless ways, but it also fundamentally changed the Spokane Tribe’s way of life,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This is long overdue, and I’m happy we are finally moving forward to get the Spokane Tribe the compensation they deserve and right this historical wrong.”
The Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act would authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam. The compensation does not increase taxpayer obligation and is based on compensation received by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation through the 1994 Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act.
As the largest hydroelectric facility in the United States, Grand Coulee Dam has produced electricity for towns and cities across the western United States for more than 75 years. However, since the construction of the multipurpose project, the Spokane Tribe has yet to be compensated for the significant damages to its Tribal lands and livelihoods.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, passed her US SAFE WEB Extension Act (H.R. 4779) in the House to protect Americans from fraud, spam, and deception online.
“Today, bad actors from around the world target and exploit Americans online. In order to keep people safe from criminals who wish to do them harm, we must have the tools we need to take action against foreign cyber threats,” said McMorris Rodgers. “That’s what this legislation provides. It enables the Federal Trade Commission to step in, address international threats online, and protect Americans’ sensitive or financial information. This bill is also essential to protecting cross-border data flows with foreign nations, which is critical to American technological innovation and maintaining our competitive advantage against authoritarian countries like China.”
NOTE: The Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006 (U.S. SAFE WEB Act) gives the FTC critical powers to enhance cross-border cooperation on consumer protection investigations and fraud actions, as well as to support cross-border data transfer mechanisms like the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield.
Congress enacted the U.S. SAFE WEB Act in 2006 and reauthorized it in 2012 for the period through September 2020. Cathy’s U.S. SAFE WEB Extension Act would extend the program through 2027.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers voted against a partisan drug pricing bill put forward by House Democrats that will lead to fewer cures. Last night, she spoke on the House floor on why this effort needed to be bipartisan and on H.R. 19, the bipartisan bill Republicans have presented as an alternative. Watch her remarks from last night here:
On the House floor last night, she said, “H.R. 19 helps us move forward. It includes bipartisan solutions that President Trump can sign into law this year. We should be building upon the work that we did with 21st Century Cures. We want to see more generic drugs come to market faster, finally make insulin more affordable for our seniors, lower out-of-pocket spending, close the donut hole, access new medicines and cures, and require price transparency. Every single provision is bipartisan.”
Cathy continued, “Unfortunately, the Speaker and the Democrats are moving forward in a partisan exercise, directing the federal government to set drug prices and it will stop innovation. America will fall behind as the global leader, and we can see what impact that has all over the world – hundreds and hundreds of fewer drugs entering the market. I want to stand on the side of innovation, more breakthroughs, and helping millions of people with the ravages of disease that they encounter every day.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038), bipartisan legislation to ensure our farmers can access the labor they need. This legislation was led by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) along with 20 Republican and 24 Democrat original cosponsors, including Cathy.
“While this bill isn’t perfect, it is an important step forward to provide relief to our farmers. If Washington farmers, ranchers, and dairymen are going to continue to keep food on the table for our community and the world, we need an agriculture workforce that will meet their needs,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Agriculture is Eastern Washington’s number one industry, and I’m glad we were able to come together, find common ground, and move forward on a compromise bill that will make a real difference for Eastern Washington agriculture.”
NOTE: This bill is also supported by more than 300 agriculture groups, the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and a number of other groups committed to finding a solution for farmers.
The bill will:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today issued the following statement on a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country. Especially here in Eastern Washington, we rely on free trade and market access to sell our crops all over the world every single day. As a member of his USMCA whip team, I’ve encouraged President Trump to keep moving forward on trade negotiations that build on America’s booming economy. So I’m grateful for his leadership to update NAFTA and open markets in Canada and Mexico,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The USMCA is a good agreement, and it’s one that our farmers, producers, and manufacturers have been waiting for. It’s been delayed long enough. I encourage my colleagues in the House to move quickly on a vote for this agreement. Let’s get this done.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) introduced H.R. 5361, the Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act to strengthen federal and state efforts to improve the safety of our nation’s drinking water systems.
“Everyone should have the confidence that their drinking water is clean and safe, but as we’ve experienced in Eastern Washington in the last few years, more needs to be done to prevent PFAS and other chemicals from contaminating local water supplies,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This bipartisan legislation will push federal agencies to respond to current water contamination situations and give them the tools for faster responses in the future. Thank you, Rep. Blunt Rochester, for your leadership on this important issue.”
“Every person in this country deserves to have clean, safe drinking water. PFAS and other contaminants in our drinking water threaten the health and safety of communities in Delaware and around this country,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester, a member of the House Energy & Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee. “This is a problem that requires Congressional action, and I am proud to lead this critical, bipartisan effort with Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. I will continue to fight every day to protect Delawarean’s health and safety.”
NOTE: This bipartisan bill will create a national strategy to coordinate the federal response to and scientific research on emerging contaminants and provide assistance to states in responding to public health challenges posed by potentially harmful materials.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to routinely identify and analyze emerging contaminants and provide guidance to states, local officials, and the public about the potential public health risks and acceptable contamination levels for these materials.
There is a critical need to address exposure to these contaminants and address any potential adverse health effects or greater impact on our communities. The Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act would remove the barriers limiting federal and state response to emerging contaminants, expediting the analysis of these harmful chemicals, and providing much-needed guidance and support to states to help ensure that the nation’s drinking water will always be safe.
H.R. 5361 is the House companion to S. 1251, introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Rob Portman (OH).
The Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act will:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed bipartisan legislation to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s.
Having previously passed the Senate unanimously and won support from the Trump administration in March 2018, the bill is positioned to pass the full House of Representatives and move to the president’s desk for signature.
“The Grand Coulee Dam brought great benefits to our region in the form of clean, renewable, and affordable energy. Unfortunately, as a result, Eastern Washington tribes lost land, burial sites, access to rivers, and historic trading routes. In return, the Spokane tribe was offered an extremely low level of compensation for these losses. This legislation will ensure that we right this historical wrong and that the tribe receives equitable compensation for the negative impact on their land and culture. This is long overdue,” said McMorris Rodgers.
“For over 60 years, the Spokane Tribe has worked to get just and equitable compensation for the use of thousands of acres of Tribal lands,” Senator Cantwell said. “After working for more than 18 years on this legislation, I hope the House will pass it quickly and send it to the president’s desk.”
The Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act would authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam.
As the largest hydroelectric facility in the United States, Grand Coulee Dam has produced electricity for towns and cities across the western United States for more than 75 years. However, since the construction of the multipurpose project, the Spokane Tribe has yet to be compensated for the significant damages to its Tribal lands and livelihoods.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed bipartisan legislation to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s.
Having previously passed the Senate unanimously and won support from the Trump administration in March 2018, the bill is positioned to pass the full House of Representatives and move to the president’s desk for signature.
“The Grand Coulee Dam brought great benefits to our region in the form of clean, renewable, and affordable energy. Unfortunately, as a result, Eastern Washington tribes lost land, burial sites, access to rivers, and historic trading routes. In return, the Spokane tribe was offered an extremely low level of compensation for these losses. This legislation will ensure that we right this historical wrong and that the tribe receives equitable compensation for the negative impact on their land and culture. This is long overdue,” said McMorris Rodgers.
“For over 60 years, the Spokane Tribe has worked to get just and equitable compensation for the use of thousands of acres of Tribal lands,” Senator Cantwell said. “After working for more than 18 years on this legislation, I hope the House will pass it quickly and send it to the president’s desk.”
The Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act would authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam.
As the largest hydroelectric facility in the United States, Grand Coulee Dam has produced electricity for towns and cities across the western United States for more than 75 years. However, since the construction of the multipurpose project, the Spokane Tribe has yet to be compensated for the significant damages to its Tribal lands and livelihoods.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, “Highly Automated Vehicles: Federal Perspectives on the Deployment of Safety Technology.”
“Every year, we lose more than 37,000 lives on our roads—the equivalent to more than three commercial jets falling out of the sky every week,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Technology offers us a solution, and I’m encouraged to see the Senate hold a hearing tomorrow on self-driving vehicles. Not only do self-driving cars promise to save lives, they will also restore independence for people with disabilities and seniors and reduce congestion on our roads. In order to unleash this innovation here in the U.S., we need forward-thinking and thoughtful policy. We must build off the great work we did last Congress with the SELF DRIVE Act and clarify federal and state roles to ensure NHTSA remains the sole safety regulator. We need to modernize the exemption process so developers can innovate and push NHTSA to develop new self-driving car safety standards. America needs legislation built on these core concepts, or else we risk falling behind the rest of the world and seeing the benefits of self-driving vehicles go elsewhere. To win the future and beat China, we must act now.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced that Patrick Bell will serve as her District Director in Eastern Washington starting December 9, following the departure of District Director Traci Couture, who has served in that role since 2016.
“Patrick brings a passion for getting results and reaching out to communities across Washington’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Cathy. “He has a deep understanding of the issues facing our region, and I’m excited for him to take on this new role to assist me as we work to listen, learn, and lead on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington.”
NOTE: Traci Couture will be transitioning to the Spokane Teaching Health Center to serve as their Executive Director. She has served in Cathy’s office for three and a half years.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his proposal to bring health care price transparency to the American people.
“Americans are rightly frustrated with a health care system that is too costly, too confusing, and doesn’t put their interests first,” said McMorris Rodgers. “One of the best ways we can begin to address rising costs is by bringing real price transparency to patients. When patients have this information at their fingertips, they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. With detailed price information and the ability to shop for the best care, we can spur competition and drive down costs. I applaud President Trump for pushing for more transparency to put patients at the center of their health care decisions. Congress should take this seriously, and our first action should be to pass bipartisan surprise billing legislation out of the House.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement after voting against a partisan bill to reauthorize the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank that would hurt small businesses and fail to keep America competitive in the global economy.
“I support reauthorization of the Export–Import Bank. As one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, EXIM critical to Washington,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Unfortunately, Democrats walked away from bipartisan negotiations and loaded this bill with partisan poison pills that I couldn’t support. This Democrat bill does not do enough to combat fraud and abuse at EXIM, including ensuring Chinese state-owned-enterprises are unable to receive financing. As we look to lead in the 21st Century global economy, we should be ensuring Chinese state companies are not able to benefit from our programs and encouraging more US investment into emerging tech. This legislation also weakens support for small businesses and fails to include bipartisan reforms to encourage greater investment in new and emerging technologies. I hope we can come together and work on a bipartisan bill that puts U.S. interests first and will get signed into law.”
As Cathy said at today’s markup, “It is critical that we ensure people have the information they need and the protections they deserve when it comes to online activities. Knowing who you are dealing with online is fundamental for people to have trust in the Internet. As we heard at our FTC oversight hearing in May and at our legislative hearing last month, the SAFE WEB Act makes sure the Commission has the tools they need to protect people from international schemes that can ruin lives.”
She continued, “To win the future, it is critical that we—with our allies—have enforceable agreements to safely allow cross-border data flows. This will ensure our innovators can beat China, while also protecting people’s privacy from scams, spyware, and attacks. We all know, the Internet knows no borders. Because of that, people need to trust that they are protected from online threats that originate in foreign countries… That’s why the SAFE WEB Act is critical. It’s empowering the FTC and the United States to be the global leader in combatting fraud and privacy violations.”
NOTE: The Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006 (U.S. SAFE WEB Act) gives the FTC critical powers to enhance cross-border cooperation on consumer protection investigations and fraud actions, as well as to support cross-border data transfer mechanisms like the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield.
Congress enacted the U.S. SAFE WEB Act in 2006 and reauthorized it in 2012 for the period through September 2020.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced the approval of an $11.3 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant from the Department of Transportation to the Spokane International Airport. This grant will fund the construction of a new rail facility for train access to the airport.
“This grant is another example of the Trump administration’s work to reinvest in America’s infrastructure,” said Cathy. “The Spokane International Airport continues to be a leader in our community in both transportation and economic development. I’m so thankful for their leadership and excited to see them use this grant to continue to connect Eastern Washington with the rest of the world.”
“Today’s announcement of the award of a BUILD grant for the construction of a Transload Facility at Spokane International Airport represents a turning point in the form of a very strategic investment by USDOT and many local partners that places us on a firm course to achieve our objective to be a world-class intermodal transportation, logistics and advanced manufacturing center that will transform the regional economy,” said Larry Krauter, CEO of Spokane International Airport and Chairman of the West Plains/Airport Area Public Development Authority.
Nancy Vorhees, Chair of the Airport Board added, “The Transload Facility will be developed in a location to leverage the full advantage of the air, rail and highway network as well as to open up over a thousand acres of land for commercial development that is located within an Opportunity Zone, Foreign Trade Zone and Community Empowerment Zone. The table is being set for very significant growth of commerce in our region and we are thankful to our many local and state government partners as well as to our business community for their incredible support.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ disingenuous impeachment inquiry resolution.
“For weeks, Democrats have conducted their impeachment meetings behind closed doors. They’ve made it impossible to trust the President will ever get a fair process. This resolution allows Chairman Schiff to keep working in private and ignores the President’s due process, a fundamental right in America. From these secret proceedings to Chairman Adam Schiff falsifying statements, this has been a hyper-partisan approach from the start. I still haven’t seen evidence of an impeachable offense,” said Cathy. “Since the President was elected, Democrats have solely focused on impeachment, instead of working in a bipartisan way to solve the real challenges Eastern Washington families face like passing USMCA, lowering prescription drug costs, and fixing a broken immigration system.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in introducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, major bipartisan legislation to fix the labor problems that growers and dairies in Washington state face. McMorris Rodgers joined 20 Republican and 24 Democrat members, led by Rep Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), in introducing this bipartisan compromise to address this pressing problem facing the agriculture industry.
“Agriculture is Eastern Washington’s number one industry, and whenever I meet with fruit and vegetable growers or dairies in Eastern Washington, the number one concern I hear is about labor. We need an agriculture workforce program that is workable, affordable, and able to meet our labor needs in the Northwest. This legislation institutes mandatory E-Verify for the agriculture sector to ensure workers are in the United States legally, addresses challenges the current workforce is facing, and makes significant reforms to the H-2A program to simplify the program, reduce bureaucracy, and bring down costs,” said McMorris Rodgers. “At the end of the day, in order to find a much-needed solution on this issue, we need to lead on a bipartisan bill. I’ve long said the American people expect more from us than partisan bickering, and this is an example of how bipartisan leaders can work together, find common ground, and advance legislation that will make a real difference for our farmers and agriculture workers alike.”
NOTE: The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is widely supported by the agriculture community, including support from nearly 250 agriculture organizations in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. It is also supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. You can read their letter of support by clicking here.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, yesterday joined Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., at the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters for the Access and Mobility for All Summit. Cathy spoke about how autonomous vehicles will transform America’s leadership in the global economy and give people with disabilities more opportunities and independence.
CLICK HERE or above to watch her full remarks.
Autonomous vehicles will transform lives:
“The whole issue of congestion is going to be an issue of the past, that’s really cool. But when you think about someone with a disability being able to get into a car and be able to go wherever they need to go, that’s revolutionary. And so, I believe that by tearing down–breaking down the transportation barriers—we’re going to be unleashing more opportunities, more freedom, more independence and really transforming people’s lives in ways we couldn’t imagine even 10, 20, or 30 years ago.”
AV draft bill written with people with disabilities in mind:
“I serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee. I’m the lead Republican on the subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the legislation around autonomous vehicles. I have good news to report. We are making progress.
“The House, the Senate, the Republicans and Democrats are working together on [autonomous vehicle] legislation. We are hopeful that it’s legislation that we will be able to pass this year. For those with disabilities, I am proud that there are key provisions for access and mobility. There is a provision that allow automakers to request exemptions from the one-size-fits-all standards that may not work for people with disabilities.”
“Second, it creates a specific subcommittee devoted to the advancement of mobility access. We want to make sure– and this is bipartisan and bi-cameral– that we are really addressing the needs, as well as the opportunities, for those with disabilities.
“These are big wins for us. It’s going to be important that as we continue to work on legislation that we do it with the disability community in mind.”
Disrupting the global economy & American leadership:
“Whether it’s self-driving cars or [other] autonomous vehicles that are changing our lives and making our road safer, let’s continue to work to raise the standard of living and make sure that America is leading.”
“America has always been that country where you can take those ideas that you have and turn them into a reality. We’ve done more to lift people out of poverty than any other country in the world. That’s the promise of America. And it’s remarkable, we are the nation that is responsible for history’s greatest scientific and technological breakthroughs. And it’s because we are founded in the belief of every person’s human right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in people, their dignity and every person’s ability to reach their full potential.”
“[We need to ensure] America is providing the global leadership, and I look forward to working with you as a member on the Energy and Commerce Committee…because there is no better place in the world to advance these solutions than in America.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement applauding the Trump administration’s announcement to overhaul and streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
“When I was first elected to Congress, I chaired a bipartisan task force with now Senator Tom Udall that made recommendations to update and improve NEPA. In any proposed project, we should involve stakeholders and interested parties early on and seek a more collaborative approach. The current process often results in years of delay, additional costs, and litigation. What started as a single paragraph statute in 1969 has turned into pages and pages of rules and regulations—and thousands of court cases—that slow and obstruct important projects,” said Rodgers. “Thank you to the Trump administration for leading in addressing the NEPA process so we can move forward on projects that improve our forest health, develop our clean energy resources, and rebuild our aging infrastructure.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, praised the House’s bipartisan passage of four bills today to help America win the race to 5G.
“U.S. leadership in 5G is critical for our global competitiveness. In order to beat China in a global economy and ensure America remains the best place in the world to innovate, we must win the 5G race,” said McMorris Rodgers. “At the same time it’s crucial we ensure the infrastructure our service providers use for our next-generation networks is secure. Equipment from companies supported by the Chinese government, like Huawei and ZTE, comes with significant risks. The Trump administration has prioritized American competitiveness and our national security in 5G, and these bills will help support their efforts.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ disingenuous impeachment inquiry resolution.
“For weeks, Democrats have conducted their impeachment meetings behind closed doors. They’ve made it impossible to trust the President will ever get a fair process. This resolution allows Chairman Schiff to keep working in private and ignores the President’s due process, a fundamental right in America. From these secret proceedings to Chairman Adam Schiff falsifying statements, this has been a hyper-partisan approach from the start. I still haven’t seen evidence of an impeachable offense,” said Cathy. “Since the President was elected, Democrats have solely focused on impeachment, instead of working in a bipartisan way to solve the real challenges Eastern Washington families face like passing USMCA, lowering prescription drug costs, and fixing a broken immigration system.”
As Cathy said, “Reducing carbon emissions is a shared goal, however, I believe we must be realistic and we must be honest about the challenges that we face…We need an all-of-the-above strategy that provides consumer choice, ensures affordability, and maintains grid reliability and capacity.
“For some states, nuclear is the best option. For others, it’s wind, or solar, or natural gas. For others, it’s hydropower. I’m excited about the technological innovation and American ingenuity that enables us to develop a variety of new, cutting-edge ways of clean energy production.
“Eastern Washington is a leader in clean energy solutions. Hydropower built the Pacific Northwest. It built our economy and it continues to provide clean, renewable, reliable electricity… It accounts for 70 percent of the energy in Washington State, and as we all know, it is the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We could double our hydropower production in America without building a single new dam—simply by investing in technology.
“The fact though is from 2012 to 2015, our carbon emissions spiked 6.1% due, in part, to increasing fossil fuel-generated electricity. So, at a time when we have this shared goal, we should be embracing what makes sense in each region of the country, and for us, it’s hydropower. We shouldn’t be putting more costs and more mandates on hydropower. We should be actually moving forward with licensing reform here at the federal level.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act, legislation that Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in introducing, overwhelmingly passed the House included in the EMPOWER Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 2781). This legislation will provide funding for colleges and universities to make physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology programs more accessible to underrepresented communities, including those who are racial or ethnic minorities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As Cathy said when she joined Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) in introducing the bill, “I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of occupational therapy, speech pathology, and physical therapy in helping people to live more full and independent lives. When people from underserved areas go into these fields, they are more likely to serve our rural communities. This bill will help better serve Eastern Washington and the people who rely on these allied health professionals.”