Rodgers, Cathy McMorris, 1969-

Cathy Anne McMorris Rodgers (born May 22, 1969) is an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, she has served as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 5th congressional district since 2005. From 2013 to 2019, she chaired the House Republican Conference. Since 2021, she has been the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Born Cathy Anne McMorris in Salem, Oregon and raised in Hazelton, British Columbia and Kettle Falls, Washington, she graduated from Kettle Falls High School before earning a B.A. from Pensacola Christian College; she would later earn an M.B.A. from the University of Washington. After completing her undergraduate education, McMorris was hired by State Representative Bob Morton in 1991 as his campaign manager, and later as his legislative assistant. She became a member of the state legislature when she was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in 1994. From 2002 to 2003, she served as House Minority Leader, the top House Republican leadership post. She chaired the House Commerce and Labor Committee, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, and the State Government Committee. She stepped down as minority leader in 2003 after announcing her candidacy for Congress.

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