(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers sent a letter today, signed by the entire Washington delegation, to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee asking them to restore funding for the 36th Rescue Flight Helicopters stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. In coordination with McMorris Rodgers, the Idaho Congressional delegation will also be sending a letter of support.

“I am grateful and proud that the delegation and our governor has come together on behalf of Fairchild in support of this life-saving unit that serves nearly all of Washington state, as well as parts of Idaho, Montana and Oregon,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The loss of these helicopters will impact the search-and-rescue capabilities of the region and the effectiveness of the Air Force Survival School. We remain committed to seeing this funding restored.”

McMorris Rodgers has helped organize community support efforts on behalf of the 36th RQF. More than 500 letters from groups and individuals in Eastern Washington have been sent to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Community emphasizing the important role of the helicopters within the community.