Airway Heights, Wash. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass on her visit to Fairchild Air Force Base last week. While on base, Rodgers and CMSAF Bass joined Fairchild Leadership for a tour of the base’s community center, food pantry, and for a visit with the 256th Intelligence Squadron. They also discussed some of the issues most important to military families serving in Eastern Washington, including access to affordable housing and childcare.

“It was wonderful having Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass in Eastern Washington last week,” said Rodgers. “I appreciate her taking time to come see the incredible work our airmen and women are doing on base and throughout our community. We also discussed the work still before us to improve access to affordable housing and childcare. I am eager to work together on these critical issues moving forward.” 

Rodgers and CMSAF Bass were joined by Chief Master Sergeant William Arcuri, Command Chief of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and Colonel Jeffrey M. Marshall, Vice Commander of the 92d Air Refueling Wing.

NOTE: Last Congress, Rodgers helped secure a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers at Fairchild Air Force Base. She also urged the Secretary of Defense to reevaluate the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the Spokane Military Housing Area (MHA) after the Secretary of the Air Force agreed to reevaluate the housing needs at Fairchild with the goal of addressing the lack of access to affordable housing on and around base.

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