“As the proud representative of Eastern Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base, I voted today with unwavering support for legislation that empowers America’s service members and their families.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which fully funds America’s troops with the resources and support they need to defend our country abroad. 

“As the proud representative of Eastern Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base, I voted today with unwavering support for legislation that empowers America’s service members and their families.  As we witness the escalation of dangers across the globe – from on-the-ground threats to cybersecurity breaches – our troops must be able to respond quickly and efficiently. Today I voted to make sure that our armed forces – those at Fairchild and all across America – are equipped with the support, funding, and resources they need to answer our call to freedom. This bill will make our military more agile by reforming military programs, eliminating outdated regulations, and more efficiently allocating our funds – as well as securing funding for the important KC-46A tankers.  American troops will now be ready to answer 21^st-century threats like ISIL, cybersecurity, and an encroaching Russia.

“And for our veterans who have served, this bill will empower them with better care.  As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Military Family Caucus, I am especially proud that this legislation will care for Eastern Washington’s military families with care and compassion. This is an important step forward in making sure all of our service members and their families – past and present – receive the best treatment available.  As we strengthen America’s military readiness at home and abroad, I will continue my unwavering commitment to the men and women who so valiantly defend this country. Our nation stands for so much – freedom, democracy, and opportunity – yet it’s only through the protection provided by our brave men and women in uniform that this remains possible.”