With the shift in control to the Republican Party, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which maintains oversight of the FCC, saw the leadership baton handed from New Jersey Democrat Frank Pallone Jr. to a woman from Eastern Washington who has championed conservatives’ policy desires while doing her part to help broadcasters.
Now, Cathy McMorris Rodgers has confirmed that she’ll be leaving Congress once this session ends in January 2025.
The news is somewhat of a surprise, and followed an announcement from Rodgers’ office that she was signing on to bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and increase funding for Down syndrome research to $250 million annually for the next five years. Rodgers’ son, who is 16 years of age, was born with Down syndrome.
In a statement, Rodgers, who represents Washington’s fifth Congressional district, wrote:
“It’s been the honor and privilege of my life to represent the people of Eastern Washington in Congress. They inspire me every day. They are part of the strength and soul of America — the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known. After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided the time has come to serve them in new ways. I will not be running for re-election to the People’s House.
“For years now, my team and I have lived and worked by our values of having fun while we SERVE — to Seek excellence, that Everybody matters, to Responsibly own it, practice Vigilant integrity, and Embrace change. I’m proud of how it’s helped us be more effective and deliver results to my district and the hardworking people of this country. There is no doubt I’ve had the best staff on my team. They are smart, strategic, and committed to building trust.
“I would testify today that the greatest blessing in my life has been marrying Brian and becoming a wife and mom — my most cherished titles. Brian is my wise and faithful counselor, the one to wipe the tears from my eyes and send me back into the arena. Together, we have been blessed with three beautiful, beloved children. Cole was with me on the House floor when we passed the ABLE Act, which marked a new chapter of opportunity and independence for people living with a disability. Grace and Brynn joined me at countless parades, election night parties, trips to the office, and committee hearings. I love to see their drawings and notes hanging on my office walls. Brian, Cole, Grace, and Brynn give me strength and courage to give it my best every day.
“My family has been in my corner from the start. My brother quit his job to run my first campaign. My dad covered every road in Eastern Washington with campaign signs. My mom has been my greatest encourager and fiercest defender. I couldn’t have served so well without their love, support, and patience.
“Especially as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I’ve seen the best of Eastern Washington and the United States of America. We will spend this year honoring the Committee’s rich history — plowing the hard ground necessary to legislate on solutions to make people’s lives better and ensure America wins the future.
“Every day, my number one priority is to pray. I pray that God’s purpose over my life will be more deeply rooted in my heart and in gratitude for the remarkable colleagues and people He has brought into my life. No matter the division, we must unite in prayer. And as we do, we will bring hope and healing to broken lives, broken families, and broken systems failing broken people. Together, may we always be guided by God’s abundant grace and wisdom to keep the promise of America alive.
“The best is yet to come.”
McMorris Rodgers, who is 54 years of age, was elected to the House in 2004; she is the first woman to chair the House E&C Committee.
Her successor in Congress is widely expected to be a Republican, given the voter complexion of Rodgers’ district.
Commenting on Rodgers’ pending retirement from Congress, House E&C Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) said, “It’s been a privilege working with Chair Rodgers over the years, especially the past three years as she’s led Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee. It’s no secret that getting things done around here is hard work, but Cathy and I have been able to get important legislation passed to lower health care costs, increase transparency in hospital pricing, and move the ball forward on establishing a comprehensive national data privacy standard. Her departure will be an incredible loss for Congress, which I know she cares about deeply. I’m sad to hear this news and wish her nothing but the best in the next chapter, but I’m glad we have about a year left to get some important priorities across the finish line together.”
