Washington, D.C. –Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced today she has been selected to serve on three subcommittees on the House Energy and Commerce Committee: Energy and Power, Health, and Environment and the Economy.  Serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 112^th Congress will further enable Rep. McMorris Rodgers to be an influential advocate providing leadership on a broader spectrum of issues critical to Eastern Washington such as health care, technology, and energy independence.

“As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am well positioned to lead on issues directly affecting our economy and national security,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “This is great news for our region because the Committee oversees legislation and Federal agencies critically impacting our future.”

As the oldest standing Committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee has the broadest jurisdiction of any Permanent Committee in the House of Representatives overseeing five cabinet positions and seven independent agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Committee plays a lead role in health care and is responsible for implementing our nation’s energy policy.

“My priority is listening to the people of Eastern Washington.  We are fighting to free our economic engine that has been stifled by overregulation and uncertainty.”

Since first being elected to Congress in 2004, Rep. McMorris Rodgers has made access to quality, affordable health care a top priority. She has worked on bipartisan legislation to use health information technology to improve access and quality, especially in rural areas. In 2005, Rep. McMorris Rodgers led a national task force to update and reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to improve decision making for projects impacting our environment and economy.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers has long championed a comprehensive energy independence strategy encompassing conservation and innovation while utilizing and expanding domestic energy sources. 

Eastern Washington is home to affordable, renewable, and clean energy, predominantly hydropower.  In 2008, Rep. McMorris Rodgers founded the Congressional Hydropower Caucus to increase awareness as to the important role as well as the potential of hydropower to help meet our growing energy demands. 

“Energy independence and solutions play a key role in economic growth.  Energy is critical to Eastern Washington’s agricultural community.  I know our farming community is concerned with the rising price of energy and the resultant increases in fertilizer, irrigation, and water costs.” 

As part of her transition to Energy and Commerce, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will be vacating the following Committees: Education and Labor, Natural Resources, and Armed Services (HASC). 

“I have developed a strong working relationship with each of these Committee's Chairmen, which will allow me to continue to advance priorities which are important to Eastern Washington. 

“I will continue to be a proud and vocal champion of America’s brave service men and women and their families and remain Fairchild’s leading advocate in the halls of Congress.”

The wife of a retired Navy pilot, Rep. McMorris Rodgers is the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus.  She will continue to serve in that capacity. 

###