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 member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, she is well-positioned to advance this agenda.

In 2008, Cathy was elected to serve in the House Republican Leadership, where she held the office of Vice Chair of the Conference for the next four years.  In November 2012, Cathy was elected to serve as Chairman of the Conference, the fourth-highest-ranking position among House Republicans.  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. Diane DeGette, The Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act, passed the House in the 112th Congress.

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