(Washington D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) spent today in Olympia discussing issues important to Eastern Washington with elected state officials. Her day included meetings with Governor Chris Gregoire, Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, Veterans Affairs Director John Lee, and the House and Senate GOP Caucuses.

“I want to become a statewide and regional leader for issues that are most important to Washington including economic growth, health care, and national security,” said McMorris. “My meetings today help to build working relationships with state officials from both parties, and allowed us to identify opportunities to work together for the greater good of Washington State.”

McMorris spent the morning meeting with House and Senate GOP caucuses. She gave an update on federal issues impacting the state, including her efforts to support rural health care, expand the use of electronic medical records, and keep our communities safe from meth. She also briefed them on her role as Chairwoman of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Task Force and the recently released draft recommendations that will help our local transportation, mining, forest, and resource industries that face timely delays under the current process.

In addition, McMorris met with Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland to discuss the state of Washington’s natural resources, which play a critical role in Eastern Washington’s economy. She also met with John Lee, Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, to discuss the Eastern Washington Veterans cemetery.

McMorris finished the afternoon by meeting with Governor Chris Gregoire about opportunities for economic development in Eastern Washington, including their joint efforts to bring the Institute for Systems Medicine to the growing research center in Spokane.

Before McMorris returns to Washington D.C. she will travel to Okanogan County for meetings and events. Her schedule includes a meeting with the U.S. Forest Service, a tour of Mid-Valley Hospital District, an advisory committee meeting, and a Coffee with Cathy at Sun Valley Restaurant that is open to the pubic.