“Congress has an obligation to those who serve our nation, and this legislation prioritizes the funding for our commitments both at home and abroad.”

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted for H.R. 2685, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This appropriations bill prioritizes funding for the men and women who serve America, including those at Fairchild Air Force Base and the Guard and Reserve members in Eastern Washington.

H.R. 2685 invests in operation and maintenance; supports key readiness programs to prepare our troops — including flight time; and advances the Air Force’s KC-46 refueling tanker program.

McMorris Rodgers released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2685:

“Today the House ensured that our men and women in uniform will have the funding they need to keep America the safest and freest nation in the world. Congress has an obligation to those who serve our nation, and this legislation prioritizes the funding needed for our commitments both at home and abroad.

“As a co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I am particularly pleased that our legislation includes a pay raise — 1 percent more than the President requested — for the military. When a service member joins the military, it’s not just a job; it is a family commitment to our country. I urge the Senate to take up the House’s bill and send it straight to the President’s desk.”

Yesterday, the Congresswoman delivered remarks at a leadership press conference in reference to Senator Harry Reid’s recent statement that it would be a “waste of time” to vote on defense bills in the Senate. Watch her remarks here: