(Washington, DC) -- During her first term serving in the U.S House of Representatives, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris has successfully protected what is most important to Eastern Washington. She has worked in a bipartisan manner to pass important legislation to grow the economy, expand access to health care, and keep our nation and communities safe.

“These past two years are proof of what can be accomplished by working in a bipartisan fashion on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington,” said McMorris. “By reaching across party lines, I have worked with members of the delegation to protect our low energy rates, provide valuable services to our veterans, expand the use of health information technology, improve education and increase competitiveness, provide relief to farmers, protect and expand our local air force base, and secure our northern border.”

Job creation and economic growth. McMorris has supported policies that grow our economy, help small businesses, assist our agriculture and resource based economy, create a skilled workforce, and bring new jobs to Eastern Washington.

• Passed amendment enhancing competitiveness in math, science and foreign language
• Successfully kept Perkins Loan Program intact in FY06 and FY07 budgets
• Secured funding for vital transportation infrastructure including the North-South Corridor, Bridging the Valley, Hwy 12, Fleshman Way, and I-90 widening
• Helped stop the Administration’s proposal to increase BPA rates
• Supported tax incentives for alterative fuel and energy sources including wind, biofuels, and fuel cell technology
• Sponsored legislation to permanently repeal the Death Tax
• Supported class action lawsuit reform, to curb litigation costs for small businesses.
• Voted to extend tax relief to help small businesses and families
• Co-sponsored a balanced budget amendment to restore fiscal discipline to Washington D.C.
• Introduced legislation to require Endangered Species Act (ESA) cost transparency
• Introduced legislation to help Eastern Washington wheat farmers by providing counter-cyclical reform
• Supported energy assistance for farmers
• Secured critical funding for agricultural research at WSU’s Johnson Hall
• Chaired a Task Force to update and strengthen the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) to put commonsense back in environmental decision making
• Co-sponsored the Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act to speed forest recovery and restoration efforts following forest fires.

Increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare. McMorris has consistently supported legislation that strengthens health care delivery and ensures access to quality health care in rural areas.

• Passed the Medicaid Access Project through Information Technology (MAP IT) Act as an amendment
• Introduced the Rural Health Training Incentive Act of 2005 and WWAMI to increase healthcare access, and strengthen programs to recruit and train primary care doctors to practice in underserved areas
• Co-sponsored Associated Health Plan and Health Saving Account legislation to allow small businesses to band together to offer health insurance coverage
• Co-sponsored the HEALTH Act to bring much needed medical liability reform to health care providers in Eastern Washington.
• Worked closely with the Congressional delegation, Veterans Affairs Secretary Nicholson, the Local Advisory Panel and the community to ensure regional veterans have access to healthcare in Walla Walla.
• Supported increasing veterans medical care funding by 16%
• Held seven senior roundtable events and co- sponsored the Senior Independence Act to strengthen programs and services for seniors.

Keeping our nation and communities safe. Cathy McMorris know what it takes to keep our nation and communities safe and has supported legislation to provide our law enforcement and U.S. Armed Forces with the tools and resources they need to complete their missions.

• Successfully fought to maintain and enhance the mission of Fairchild Air Force Base and is working to secure replacement KC-135 tankers.
• Co-sponsored the Children’s Safety Act to protect our children from sex offenders
• Co-sponsored Meth Epidemic Elimination Act, supported funding for the Washington State Meth Initiative, and is a member of the Speaker’s Drug Task Force
• Co-Sponsored the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act
• Held crime town halls with local, state and federal law enforcement officials to continue to make Eastern Washington a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
• Supported appropriations to improve military quality of life, and increased overall funding for veterans by $12 billion.