Recognizing Retiring U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Floor Speech
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Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my great colleague from New York, Mr. Tonko. I really appreciate this honor.
Mr. Speaker, you have heard so many wonderful things about our outgoing chairwoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, or, as we like to call her, CMR. That is who she was when I first came into Congress.
As you know, she served 20 years. She served honorably. She is an incredible mother. She has championed so many great policies.
I would just like to say I call Cathy McMorris Rodgers a friend. I have to say this from my heart. I have never met another person on Earth who represents the godly qualities so important to serving in public office. She is honest, she has integrity, she has compassion, and she has charity. Those things are very rare, and she is going to be so missed with those qualities.
She is also a true friend. True friends are hard to come by in Washington, D.C. She is one of those people who stands with you honestly and confidentially throughout the difficult times, throughout your good times.
I am so grateful to Cathy McMorris Rodgers for everything she has done for me as a leader, everything she has done for our Nation, and the State of Washington.
Another really important part of Cathy McMorris Rodgers that I am really going to miss is her son, Cole, who has been a dear friend of mine here when he comes to visit us in Washington. Cole has become a great friend and a wonderful inspiration for me. I know he inspires so many of us here in Congress and especially Cathy and her family.
When Cole was here last, I was a little agitated about a couple of things. I got a little anxious. Cole said: Chill out.
I think that is what Cathy will do when she retires next year. She is going to chill out for a little while. She will never stop serving our country, her State, our Nation, our world, her family, and our God.
We are so grateful to you and for having you here. It has been a complete blessing to know you.
There is never a better friend that I have ever met than Cathy McMorris Rodgers, our beloved CMR.
I wish you and your family the best. You really are one in a billion, one in several billion on Earth. We thank you so much. Congratulations and thank you so much for your really honorable, wonderful service to our community.
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