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.
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.