Spokane, Wash. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) traveled across Eastern Washington this week where she hosted two additional town halls, hosted a roundtable discussion on the fentanyl crisis, spoke to high school students, met with community leaders, and more.

Below you will find a full recap of Cathy’s week in Eastern Washington:

Hearing From The People

Cathy held two in-person town hall events this week in Dayton and Loon Lake, bringing her total for the year to twelve. Both events were well-attended with constituents from both communities sharing concerns about broadband access, infrastructure, election integrity, and protecting the Lower Snake River dams, and more.

Fentanyl Roundtable

In addition to holding town hall events, Cathy brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and the loved ones of those lost to fentanyl to share their stories and have a discussion on the ongoing fentanyl crisis currently ripping through Spokane County and across the country. 

The group discussed legislation Cathy is helping lead, the HALT Fentanyl Act, to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances to prevent them from becoming street legal. The bill would also ensure local law enforcement and border patrol has the authority to seize these extremely lethal drugs. Click here for more information about the roundtable and how the community is working together to end this devastating crisis.

Honoring Veterans

Cathy also visited the Washington State Veterans Cemetery to help lay 40 of Eastern Washington’s Unforgotten Heroes to rest this week. She also took this time to thank everyone at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs who worked tirelessly to make this dignified burial possible.

Northwest Public Power Association

On Tuesday, Cathy also joined the Northwest Public Power Association to discuss the Lower Snake River dams, the critical hydropower they provide, and how our region can continue leading the world in promoting clean energy solutions.

Walla Walla Veterans Medical Center

Cathy also traveled to Walla Walla where she visited the VA Medical Center to meet with their staff and discuss the recent rollout of the Cerner Electronic Health Record system. Cathy has been vocal about the need to delay the rollout of this system to Walla Walla after serious concerns were raised at the Mann-Grandstaff facility. She received an update on the current status of go-live and reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring this system becomes the improvement for veterans that lawmakers hoped it would be.

Mary Walker High School Students

Cathy also visited Mary Walker High School where she met with students interested in government. She took time to share her role in Congress on behalf of Eastern Washington, hear students’ concerns, and discuss the many opportunities they have to get involved in the federal government while still in school. These opportunities include the Congressional Art Competition, Congressional App Competition, the chance to be nominated to one of our nations’ service academies, internships in her Spokane and D.C. offices, and getting involved in her Congressional Youth Advisory Council, which gives students a chance to meet with Cathy several times a year. 

Working With Local Leaders

Finally, Cathy had a productive meeting with community and elected leaders  in Walla Walla to discuss a number of  issues facing the community, including the devastating impact inflation and record high gas prices are having on families’ pocketbooks. Cathy is committed to lowering the cost of living, which is why she’s urging her colleagues in the House to reign in out-of-control spending, help get Americans back to work, and get our economy back on track.

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