(Washington D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) met today with Major General James Hawkins, Commander of 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, to discuss the continued support and expansion of Fairchild Air Force Base and military services in Eastern Washington.

“One of my top priorities is to keep our nation and community safe,” said McMorris. “I was encouraged by my discussion with Major General Hawkins that we can provide our military personnel and veterans with the adequate facilities, training, and resources necessary for them to succeed. By eliminating encroachment around the base, promoting the use of electronic medical records, and supporting military construction projects to ensure the readiness of forces we can continue to make Fairchild Air Force Base and Eastern Washington a leader in military operations.”

McMorris presented Major General Hawkins with an outline of how to support and expand Fairchild Air Force Base. Her priorities include encouraging the Air Force to use Readiness Environmental Protection funds to expand the approach light system and eliminate encroachment; establishing a link that allows Fairchild Air Force Base to access electronic medical records from private health care sector physicians who have seen military personnel and veterans; supporting the co-location of military missions, which would create up to 400 jobs in Eastern Washington; and supporting military construction projects, such as Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JRPA) facility, to enhance the readiness of the expeditionary force at Fairchild Air Force Base.