Bio-Short

Cathy McMorris Rodgers is proof that what we were taught as children is true today. In America, with a positive attitude, hard work, and dedication, we can rise from humble beginnings to important positions of leadership.

Cathy was born to a farming family with deep roots in Eastern Washington. The early members of the McMorris family settled as pioneers in Walla Walla in 1853.

Growing up, Cathy worked on the family orchard side by side with her parents and younger brother.

Cathy was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She worked her way through Pensacola Christian College in Florida and later earned her Executive MBA from the University of Washington.

She served five terms as a citizen legislator in Olympia eventually being elected to minority leader. When the legislature was not in session, Cathy worked in her parents' small business, Peachcrest Fruit Basket, near Kettle Falls, Washington.

In 2004 Cathy was elected to Congress where she now serves in her fourth term representing Washington's Fifth Congressional District.

Cathy's responsibilities have changed significantly over the years but she has remained true to her roots. She believes in the promise of America. In Congress, Cathy promotes policies to give wider opportunities to families and small businesses. She works to keep taxes and spending down, strongly supports our troops and veterans, and works to improve access to quality, affordable health care. As a recent appointee to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, she is well-positioned to further this agenda.

In November 2008, Cathy was elected to the House Republican Leadership, serving as Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. In November 2010, she was re-elected to that position.  She is the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress.

Cathy is a Republican who finds opportunities to work across party lines. She is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus with Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). She served on the House Armed Services Committee for three terms. Her bill with Rep. George Miller (D-CA), then-Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, the Keeping All Students Safe in Schools Act, passed the House in the 111th Congress.

She is married to Brian Rodgers, a retired 26 year active-duty Navy Commander; they have two children: Cole and Grace.