(Washington, D.C.)– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, joined other Members of Congress, government officials, and military personnel at the White House today for an important briefing about the Administration’s renewed emphasis on supporting military families. 

“I applaud President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden for their leadership on this important issue.  As our Commander in Chief, President Obama has reaffirmed his commitment to our military families, and he has reassured us that the families of our brave troops will remain a top priority for all government agencies. We were reminded that while only one percent of Americans may be fighting wars, 100 percent of Americans should be supporting our military families,” said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers.

The event, which was led by President Obama, highlighted the significant role military families play in the effectiveness, readiness and morale of America’s service members.  The President outlined the Administration’s objectives to improve the education and development of military children; support the quality of life for family members of America’s troops; enhance military spouses’ careers; and provide additional options for child care.

“I recognize that when a service member joins the military, it is not just a job; it is a family commitment to our country,” said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers.  “I have a tremendous amount of pride in our military personnel and their families, and it was an honor to join with so many Administration and military leaders today to discuss these critical issues.  I look forward to working with the Administration – particularly as we continue our efforts with the Congressional Military Family Caucus in the 112^th Congress – to give military families a stronger voice at the federal level.” 

Also in attendance were Admiral Michael Mullen; General Norton A. Schwartz; Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates; Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki; Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius; Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner; and Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis.

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