Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (H.R. 5293). She released the following statement after the vote:

“I am proud to represent Fairchild Air Force Base in Eastern Washington,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Meeting with and listening to the men and women who serve our nation in the Armed Forces is a constant reminder of the need to be ready, equipped, and able to address threats to our safety and security. Today’s legislation includes vital funding our troops need to be properly trained and equipped to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible, while ensuring the health and well-being of our service members and their families. This bill also includes funding for the continued procurement of the Air Force’s new aerial refueling tanker, the KC-46A, which will help ensure our nation’s continued air superiority, which Fairchild plays a critical role in maintaining.”