SPOKANE, Wash. — Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers is stepping down after a historic career in Washington D.C.
KREM 2 recently sat down with the Eastern Washington Representative to talk about her 20 years as a lawmaker and her final few months in office.
Whitney Ward (WW): Why did you decide now was the time to step away? What made you decide not to seek reelection?
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (CMR): Yes, well, it was a tough decision. And there had been other times when I had considered not running for reelection. I never imagined that I would serve in Congress as long as I have, but it was coming up on 20 years, and just the more I thought about it, the more I thought this is a good time for me. I'm really proud of what I've been able to accomplish on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington. And there was going to be a new era in Washington, D.C. And I thought, You know what? This is just a good time for me to come home.
WW: What are you most proud of?
CMR: Oh, it's hard to nail down one thing, but I hope that people see me as a representative that they can trust and that cared. And then as far as legislation, I'm really proud to have been a part of the ABLE Act, which was for individuals with disabilities, which is as simple as tax free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities, like you saved for college or retirement, but it took us seven years to get that done, and it's an example of you got to be persistent. We had the most co-sponsors of any bill the year that actually passed and was signed into law in both the House and the Senate. But now we've worked on ABLE to work ABLE age adjustment. Now we're working on ABLE 3.0, so continuing to build on opening up more opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
WW: Politics has changed a lot in 20 years. Thoughts kind of on the new political climate and what it's like now?
CMR: Every administration has a different approach. I, you know, I certainly reflect on being elected with George W. Bush, President George W Bush, and then I served during eight years for President Obama, President Trump, President Biden, and each of those presidencies have brought different priorities. But for for me as a representative, and serving in the House of Representatives, it's really, I think, been most important for me to build relationships with the other 435 serving in the house, I believe that we must reclaim our Article One constitutional responsibilities in the house, which is the power of the purse, the oversight and in that regard, although administrations change the role of the House of Representatives, which really is an amazing institution representing every corner of America it's very representative of the nation, that continues is and is probably more important now than ever.
WW: You talked a lot about the kind of the, you know, the tone that changes with each administration. Right now, it feels like voters on both sides share a lot of frustration. What is your message to voters here in Eastern Washington?
CMR: My message to them is that our form of government is unique in all the world. That leadership matters, American leadership matters. I want them to believe in the amazing institution of Congress and representative government and the importance of getting involved, the importance of voting. I was pretty dismayed, actually, with the low voter turnout. During the Primary, I thought, ‘You know, definitely people are talking [about] politics.’ It's on their minds, but yet they didn't actually turn in their ballots. And my message to them is that their vote does matter. Their voice matters, and it's especially important in representative government that they vote and that they make their voice heard and, you know, never underestimate the power of a few people to make a difference.
WW: What do you think moving forward will be the biggest challenges for the next person that holds this seat?
CMR: Oh, I think it's just going to be the challenges of making sure that they listen to the people and learn these issues and take them back and serve in the House of Representatives. I do remember when I was first sworn in, and I looked over, you know, across the house, and you're looking at 435 people, and just the reality of, ‘OK, this is a lot of people to get to know,’ so you're building relationships, and that takes time, so that's one of the biggest challenges. And then this is one of the largest districts in America, so traveling this district and getting to know people, but relationships are going to be most important for whoever serves in this position, both here in Eastern Washington and in D.C.
WW: What's next for you? Where will we find you in January?
CMR: In January I'm going to be home in Spokane, Washington, more present with my kids and my family, probably helping take the kids to all their activities.
WW: What do you think that you will do? What's the next step for you?
CMR: I am still exploring what that looks like. There's a lot of different options, but it's going to mean I want to be here in Spokane, and want to be involved in continuing to make a difference.
WW: Any parting thoughts as you kind of look back on your 20 year career?
CMR: Just what an honor it's been, more than anything. My heart's full with gratitude. For me, it's been just an amazing journey to think going from Kettle Falls, Washington as a farm kid, working alongside my brother and parents on our orchard and fruit stand to serving in Congress all these years has just been an extraordinary experience, and honor for me to serve and represent the good people of Eastern Washington. I cherish these years and I'm very proud to have had this honor to serve.
You can watch the full, unedited interview with McMorris Rodgers at the link below.