Behind the scenes with a fighter for jobs, growth

As vice chairman of the House Republican Conference, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state is the highest ranking Republican woman in Congress’ lower chamber. She also happens to be among the most diligent and bold lawmakers in Congress, working directly with House Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of California.

“CMR” — the shorthand title her top staff uses — is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, with the broadest jurisdiction in Congress and one of only two committees with oversight jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency (the other being the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee).