Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) successfully concluded her fourth annual Veterans and Military Family Resource Fair in Spokane today.  The purpose of the fair – which included a town hall with the Congresswoman – was to make sure Eastern Washington’s veterans, service members, and military families know about the programs, benefits, jobs, services, and resources available to them. 

“America is the ‘Land of the Free’ because we truly are the ‘Home of the Brave,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “And your bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.  As your Representative, I remain committed to making sure you receive the services, care, and benefits that you’ve earned.  As a grateful nation, America can do no less.” 

As a member of the House Armed Service Committee, Rep. McMorris Rodgers is the chief advocate of Fairchild Air Force Base in the U.S. Congress.  On Friday, she spoke at the groundbreaking of a new fitness center at Fairchild.

As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, Rep. McMorris Rodgers secured several key provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which will benefit military families, including those with special needs.  The NDAA passed the U.S. House last week.

On May 28, Rep. McMorris Rodgers introduced The Service Members Permanent Change of Station Relief Act.  This bill would increase the mileage reimbursement rate for members of the Armed Forces during a permanent change of station.  By changing the terminology from “moving expense” to “business expense,” the reimbursement rate for military families in that situation would rise from 16 and a half cents per mile to 50 cents per mile.

“As the wife of a career Navy man, I understand the nature of your family commitment and the drawbacks that can come with it,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers at today’s fair.  “America’s military families have needs that are not being met, but with the ideas and opinions you’ve given me today, I can better understand those needs and begin to address them.”