“The American people, in their own families, they understand that you have to do that. You have to make the tough decisions. You have to get your budget. You have got to put it in order. And they expect their elected officials and their leaders to do likewise.”

American politician

Cathy McMorris Rodgers is an American politician who served from 2005 to 2025 as the U.S. representative for Washington’s 5th congressional district. A Republican, she also served in the Washington House of Representatives and later became chair of the House Republican Conference from 2013 to 2019. Her district covers the eastern third of Washington and includes Spokane. In Congress, she was a leading Republican voice in the House, with her work centered on the responsibilities of representation, party leadership, and public policy.