Cathy McMorris Rodgers Takes on Middle East Affairs with New Role
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a former congresswoman, is continuing her focus on Middle Eastern relations after her time in Congress. Recently, she shared her thoughts with reporters on joining the U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) as a senior fellow, where she will help guide the organization’s leadership in pharmaceuticals.
“I’m thrilled to support the USIEA as a former member of Congress and a strong advocate for the U.S.-Israel relationship,” Rodgers said. “My role involves advising them on a project aimed at securing pharmaceutical supply chains in the Abraham Accord region.”
As a co-founder of the Abraham Accords Caucus, she understands the important ties formed during the Trump administration, which brought Israel and several Arab nations closer together.
Rodgers highlighted that many pharmaceutical supply chains are currently controlled by China, leading to vulnerabilities. “I know how exposed we have become because our pharmaceutical supply chains rely heavily on China,” she noted.
During the Trump administration, efforts were made to bring more manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. When that’s not feasible, developing relationships with allied nations—friendshoring—may be the answer. Rodgers explained that China currently dominates the production of key pharmaceutical ingredients. According to a recent Brookings Institution report, a quarter of drug volume sold in the U.S. includes Chinese ingredients.
“We’re starting to see many companies return manufacturing to America because of tariffs,” Rodgers said. However, she admitted challenges remain, particularly with generic drugs making up 92% of prescriptions in the U.S.
“The Abraham Accords, which includes nations like Israel and the UAE, presents an opportunity,” she explained. “We can source materials and tap into research and manufacturing investments in these countries.”
Rodgers emphasized the significance of the Abraham Accords and ongoing diplomatic efforts initiated by President Trump in 2020. She believes these partnerships can create stronger economic relationships among member nations.
Despite possible regional instability, Rodgers mentioned that other countries involved in the Abraham Accords are eager to collaborate on this initiative. “They want to move away from just energy-focused industries,” she added. “This approach could enhance our national security and reduce reliance on hostile nations for key supplies.”
Even though she has stepped away from Capitol Hill, Rodgers thinks her former congressional colleagues can still contribute significantly to this initiative. One of her immediate goals is to establish an FDA office in the region within the year.
