(CNSNews.com) - Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), the new chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, offered bipartisanship and Bibles at the committee's first hearing on Tuesday:

As she wrapped up the business portion of the hearing, she made a surprise announcement:

"Finally, I wanted to give you a book, invite all of us to read through it together in 2023. It's an all-time best-seller. I read through it for the first time a few years ago, and it changed my life.

"So, my encouragement is for everyone to read this book in their lifetime, so why not now, in 2023?

"In America, and on this committee, you know, there's many faiths, beliefs that are represented. We cherish religious freedom and religious tolerance. This Bible is structured to be 15 minutes a day. A little Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. And I pray that it will be a blessing.

"In addition, you have a new Energy and Commerce Committee mug at your seat. So let's grab some coffee. In the course of this Congress, I want to challenge you -- I want you even right now to think about somebody across the aisle that you would like to get to know. Or maybe the person you thought, I really don't want to get to know that person. And I'm going to challenge you to grab a cup of coffee. You know, I think you might be surprised."

McMorris Rodgers said some of her best memories in Congress involve getting to know someone with whom she didn't have a lot in common or whom she didn't think she'd like.

"I think we all know that life is about relationships," she continued. "And the work that we do on this committee will be enhanced as we reach across the aisle, as we sit down and get to know each other, grab a cup of coffee. So with that, let's get to work..."

Moments later, Rep. Anna Eschoo (D-Calif.) handed McMorris Rodgers a bouquet of flowers for being the first woman to lead the committee in its 228 years of existence. Everyone applauded as the two women hugged.