Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced the winner of the first annual Girls Rock the House competition at an event in Walla Walla, Washington today.  Elli Rassbach, an eighth grade student from Walla Walla, received the top prize.

Girls Rock the House is a national initiative for eighth grade girls in political districts represented by women of the House of Representatives.  Led by an instructor, each group engages in a six-week, hands-on program that culminates in a national bill-writing contest. Each girl crafts and submits a bill to a local, impartial panel. Group winners then proceed to a district competition. District winners (and their guardians) from across the country then convene in Washington, D.C. for a two-and-a-half-day program.

“At a time when only 17 percent of the Members of Congress are women, we need to be doing a better job of encouraging young women to become involved in public service,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “That’s why I’m a strong supporter of the Girls Rocks the House program.  I am very proud of this year’s winner – Elli Rassbach.  She is well-deserving of this honor, and I look forward to meeting her again in Washington, D.C.”

"I am very excited my bill won,” said Ms. Rassbach.  “I appreciate Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers taking the time to become involved in Girls Rock the House.  I hope this inspires other girls like it inspired me to become more interested in politics."