The Ripon Society

From September 2020 remarks to The Ripon Society, Cathy McMorris Rodgers made the case for American leadership on the world stage — and what it would take to stay ahead of China:

“I come from Washington state – the most trade dependent state in the country. Forty percent of our jobs are trade dependent and we export a lot to China and to the entire Pacific rim. I think, where my heart is right now, it is important for America to be smart, be strategic, and lead the American way. The relationship that we’ve had with China has been an important one, and is going to continue to be an important one, but we need to make sure that we’re continuing to bring China our way, where China respects individual rights and intellectual property rights.”

READ MORE: https://riponsociety.org/2020/09/we-need-to-make-sure-we-are-building-a-strong-foundation-here-at-home-and-holding-china-accountable/

ICYMI: In the latest Ripon Forum, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) argues that biofuels are a key part of America's energy dominance — and that North Dakota is helping fuel the world:

One of my most important legislative efforts for North Dakota is already across the finish line. My legislation to stop the Biden administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for our state passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law. That plan would have been devastating—costing an estimated 12,000 jobs and $34 million in annual state revenue. Completing that was critical for our workers, our communities, and our economy.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on two key priorities. First, the High-Capacity Grid Act. We need more power to meet growing demand, especially with the rise of AI and data centers. The reality is, we can’t build new infrastructure fast enough, so we must make better use of existing infrastructure. This legislation will help modernize America’s transmission system by requiring the use of best-available transmission conductors for new interstate transmission lines and rebuilds.

Second, year-round E15 and the Farm Bill. Biofuels are an important part of America’s energy dominance and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world. I serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans. I am also on Speaker Johnson’s Rural Domestic Energy Council. This group of House Members has drafted language to provide for year-round E15 that aims to address concerns of all stakeholders. The goal is to have this bill pass both chambers of Congress so it can be signed into law by President Trump. Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act included more than two-thirds of the Farm Bill, with the rest of the Farm Bill heading to the House Floor soon. I look forward to voting in support of the package, which makes conservation programs more farmer-friendly, enhances credit provisions, and makes improvements to programs in rural America.

These are practical, results-driven efforts that will make a real difference for North Dakota families and our future.

READ MORE: https://riponsociety.org/article/ripon-profile-of-julie-fedorchak/

HONOR THE FALLEN – MEMORIAL DAY 2026

TEDDY TWEET OF THE WEEK

“Under our form of government voting is not merely a right but a duty, and, moreover, a fundamental and necessary duty if a man is to be a good citizen.”

Theodore Roosevelt
Seventh Annual Message
December 3, 1907