WASHINGTON, D.C – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement applauding recent House-passed bills focused on making history for future generations of startups, community leaders, and positive disruptors:

“What I believe as a lawmaker is what I believe as the mother of two young girls,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We should not be defined by where we come from, but empowered by what we can become. Our work here in the People’s House is a reminder that all issues are women’s issues and that we need to encourage women to pursue their passions and honor those who paved the way as trailblazers.

“This week, I am especially proud of our efforts in the House to empower women entrepreneurs, particularly those in STEM fields, to be bold and to let their brilliance shine in historically male-dominated careers. This is all part of the agenda we are building to restore a confident America, where everyone — including women — can feel secure in our lives and our futures and be empowered to keep making history for years to come.

“As we celebrate the accomplishments, we’re also reminded this week of the ongoing battles to pay our proper respects to women veterans. So today we joined the fight to honor the World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) by voting to overturn a recent decision by the Secretary of the Army to exclude them from inurnment at Arlington Cemetery.”

NOTE: This week the House passed H.R. 4742, the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act; H.R. 4755, the Inspiring the Next Space Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act; and H.R. 4336, the Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act.