Biography

Jaime has been a champion for Southwest Washington in Congress, fighting to keep government responsive and accountable.  Jaime believes that government should be a servant, not a master, of the people.  She is also working hard to tackle federal government overspending and improve the environment for the small businesses that provide jobs in our region.

As a member of the Small Business Committee, Jaime has pursued bipartisan legislation that will level the playing field for Southwest Washington’s small businesses.  Her bipartisan “Small Business Opportunities Act” is a no-cost jobs bill that will empower more than 900 Southwest Washington small business contractors to compete, grow and create jobs right here.

Jaime has also spearheaded legislation to protect this region’s forest product economy.  For instance, her bipartisan Forest Roads bill would ensure Washington State’s 110,000 forest product jobs are safe from unnecessary federal regulations while still promoting responsible forest management.

Rooted in her belief that government should be a servant of the People, Jaime has worked to keep Congress and Washington, DC accountable.  Shortly after taking office, Jaime proposed a bill to cut the salaries of members of Congress, the President and Vice President by 10%. Jaime also took up the cause of her predecessor Brian Baird to support the STOCK Act, which prevents Members of Congress and their staff from using insider knowledge to profit from financial deals.  The STOCK Act was signed into law on March 12, 2012.

Jaime is proud to call Southwest Washington home. She grew up appreciating what makes this region so special by participating in events like 4-H, fishing at Battle Creek Ground Lake on opening day, and swimming in the Lewis River.  Jaime graduated from Prairie High School, where she played basketball and began to take an interest in local issues.  She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.

Before her election to Congress, Jaime served Clark and Cowlitz Counties in the Washington state House of Representatives.  In the legislature, she gained experience working on transportation, health care and small business issues.  Jaime gained a reputation as a bright, independent minded, fiscally responsible public servant, willing to work across the aisle with all her colleagues.

Now, Jaime is honored to be the voice for Southwest Washington in Washington, D.C.  She remains committed to finding solutions that will help restart Southwest Washington’s economy. Jaime is very clear about her mission: “I will do everything I can to get the folks of Southwest Washington back to work.”