Official Portrait Unveiling — CMRLI

The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Official Portrait Unveiling

In April 2026, our founder, Cathy McMorris Rodgers was honored with the unveiling of her official portrait as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This is an enduring recognition of her service leading one of Congress’s most historic and consequential committees.

Official Program

Portrait Unveiling Recap

Cathy and the Rodgers Family with portrait artist, Joseph Daily

Cathy McMorris Rodgers with portrait artist, Joseph Daily

CMR Portrait.jpg

BEHIND THE PORTRAIT

Following her retirement announcement, a portrait fund was established through the U.S. Capitol Historical Society to support the commission, funded entirely through private donations, as is customary for congressional portraits.

After reviewing artists from across the country, Cathy selected renowned portrait artist Joseph Q. Daily of upstate New York.

In November 2024, Daily traveled to Washington, D.C. for Cathy’s official sitting. Over two days, they worked closely together to refine not just the composition, but the story the portrait would tell. Hundreds of reference photos were taken to capture every detail. This was followed by a preliminary painting to bring forward expression and personality.

One element was especially important: light.During her time as Chair, Cathy often opened the curtains in the Energy and Commerce hearing room to let natural light in. That same light is reflected in the portrait. It shows an Eastern Washington sunrise over rolling hills and symbolizes hope, transparency, renewal, and God’s faithfulness.

The gavel in the portrait is inscribed with a phrase central to her leadership: “In God We Trust.”

That phrase is not incidental. It is woven throughout the fabric of the Capitol. It appears above the Speaker’s rostrum in the House Chamber and across public spaces. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s founding belief that our rights and freedoms are endowed by our Creator. For Cathy, that belief was personal. Her leadership was shaped by a deep and abiding faith. This is reflected in her commitment to prayer, Scripture, and the conviction that every person is created with God-given purpose and potential.

Here you can see a few behind-the-scenes photos:

THE UNVEILING CEREMONY

On April 16, 2026, colleagues, friends, and family from around the country gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building for a packed, standing-room-only ceremony to mark the occasion.

The ceremony brought together an extraordinary group of leaders. Remarks were delivered by four Speakers of the House: Mike Johnson, John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and Kevin McCarthy. Each spoke to Cathy’s steady, principled leadership, her ability to build trust across the aisle, and her effectiveness in delivering real results. They highlighted her integrity, her work ethic, and her unique ability to bring people together to get things done.

The event also featured the leaders of the Energy and Commerce Committee across multiple eras, including Chairman Brett Guthrie, former Chairman Fred Upton, and Ranking Member Frank Pallone. The ceremony was emceed by former Chairman Greg Walden and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger led the audience in prayer.

The portrait was unveiled by her family, Brian, Cole, Grace, and Brynn, before Cathy delivered remarks reflecting on her time in Congress, her faith, and the people who shaped her journey.

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND PURPOSE

In her remarks, Cathy reflected on the trust that defined her leadership and the work of the committee:

“Trust is when the magic happens.”

She highlighted bipartisan accomplishments, from energy and health care transparency to innovation and accountability. She also emphasized the importance of restoring faith in institutions.

At its core, her message was one of gratitude for her family, her colleagues, her staff, and the people she served. She reminded the audience that leadership is ultimately about service to others.

She also issued a clear call to action. She encouraged others to continue the work of building a stronger, more unified country, grounded in faith, trust, and a shared commitment to the American people.

She closed with a single word:

Shalom, meaning peace, joy, and purpose. She encouraged everyone to keep doing good, with the belief that the best is yet to come.

REFLECTIONS FROM FORMER SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE

Although unable to attend in person, former Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan each shared special video messages reflecting on Cathy’s principled leadership, lasting impact on Congress, and enduring friendships formed during her years of service. You can see their messages here:

VISIT THE PORTRAIT

Visitors to Washington, D.C. can view the portrait on display in the House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing Room (Room 2123) in the Rayburn House Office Building. It is the same room where Cathy led the committee and where the light that inspired the portrait will continue to shine for decades to come.