Fight Fires and Keep Government Open

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) fulfilled her promises to the people of Eastern Washington. This summer she repeatedly said, “we will pay whatever it costs to fight wildfires.” Today she voted to continue to make good on that promise. H.R. 719, Continuing Resolution for FY2016, provides $700 million in emergency funding to fight wildfires in Western states.

When asked, Rep. McMorris Rodgers consistently says, “shutting down the government is not a responsible way to govern.” Her vote today reflects her continued commitment to work with her colleagues to build consensus and pursue responsible, 21^st Century reforms to the way our government functions.

“This summer was the one we had long feared,” McMorris Rodgers said. “Everyone in Eastern Washington felt the devastation of the record-breaking wildfires. We’ve seen unprecedented damage—homes burned, communities evacuated, and both civilians and firefighters tragically killed. The additional resources to fight wildfires keep the people of Eastern Washington safe.”