Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2022) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today applauded Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass for her work to ensure that high-quality, affordable housing is available at Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) and across the country. 

This announcement comes after Cathy met with the Chief Master Sergeant to discuss innovative solutions that she and the Air Force are testing to solve the current housing crisis at bases across the country. 

Below are excerpts from Cathy’s letter to Chief Master Sergeant Bass:

“I thoroughly appreciated hearing about the innovative solutions that you and the Air Force are testing to solve the housing issue. I believe Fairchild AFB is a great candidate for many of these solutions and would provide an ideal location to pilot non-traditional housing solutions to help relieve the current housing crisis on base,” Rodgers wrote.

She continued, “The culture and leadership at Fairchild AFB separate them from the rest of the field. Whenever I visit the base, I am struck by how passionate the airmen are about their air refueling mission. Airmen and their families are valued and respected, and base leadership goes above and beyond to make sure servicemembers receive the highest levels of support and general care. The level of community support enjoyed by the base cannot be overstated. Accounting for around 13% of Eastern Washington’s economy, Fairchild AFB is the largest employer in the area and the lifeblood of the Spokane and Airway Heights communities.”

She concluded, “I look forward to receiving future updates on the work you and your team are doing to advance innovative housing solutions at Air Force bases across the country, and I stand ready to help you implement them at Fairchild Air Force Base.”

Note: Cathy and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) urged Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the end of last year to reevaluate the housing needs at Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) with the goal of building more housing on and around base. In a letter to the Secretary, the lawmakers requested a complete and thorough Housing Requirement and Market Analysis (HRMA) to assess the Fairchild local housing market and its ability to meet military housing demand.

Shortly after the lawmakers sent the letter to the secretary, he agreed to reevaluate the housing needs at Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) with the goal of building more housing on and around base. 

CLICK HERE to read the letter Cathy sent to Chief Master Sergeant Bass. 

CLICK HERE to read the letter the lawmakers sent to Secretary Kendall.

CLICK HERE to read the Secretary’s announcement.

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