Your Voice in Congress: July 17, 2026 Update from Rep. Baumgartner

Your Voice in Congress: July 17, 2026 Update from Rep. Baumgartner July 24, 2026 | Weekly Newsletter It was a busy week in Washington, DC. I met with Eastern Washington agriculture, water, energy, health care, and community leaders, as well as ambassadors from countries with strong trade and security ties to the district. We discussed affordable farm labor, water conservation and irrigation in our agricultural districts, salmon recovery, expanding pharmaceutical investment in the district, and security cooperation in the Middle East. These conversations help ensure that the priorities of the Fifth District are addressed in our nation’s capital. This week, the House voted to protect the privacy of lawful firearm purchasers by prohibiting payment-card networks from tracking sales at firearm retailers, and I supported a bill to make daylight savings time permanent, while preserving states’ option to remain on standard times. This Week In DC This week, I welcomed some outstanding leaders of Future Farmers of America (FFA) to visit me in our nation’s capital. FFA helps prepare the next generation of agriculture leaders, and I enjoyed hearing directly from these students. Eastern Washington’s farms, ranches, and food producers are essential to our economy and way of life. I will continue supporting policies that strengthen American agriculture and create opportunities for these young people to succeed. Meeting with Northwest RiverPartners I was pleased to see my friend Maia Espinoza and representatives from Northwest RiverPartners this week in DC. This group does a lot to set the record straight on how valuable our Lower Snake River Dams are for our region and state. We talked about my recent introduction of the Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act , with Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06). This bill is a positive, bipartisan, step forward for invasive sea lion management on our rivers, and a big win for the state. Meeting with the Columbia Basin Development League I met with the Columbia Basin Development League to discuss securing the Western Waters amendment in the recent Farm Bill and the importance of strengthening water infrastructure in Eastern Washington. I appreciated their support and our conversation about safeguarding irrigation, and ensuring our farmers and communities have the resources they need to thrive. I remain committed to advancing policies that support the long-term success of agriculture across the 5th District. Meeting with Maddie’s Place On Tuesday, I met with Shaun Cross, President and CEO of Maddie’s Place. We discussed the MIRACLE Act, which I am proud to cosponsor. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study the prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome and report to Congress on its prevalence and impacts. We also discussed plans to expand Maddie’s Place which is a unique facility that treats both babies with prenatal exposure to Fentanyl and other substances along with their parents. Treating both babies and parents together, leads to better outcomes and stronger bonds. Washington State Association of Broadcasters I met with the new President and CEO of Washington State Association of Broadcasters, Jim Rose, this week to discuss AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and the importance of preserving AM radio’s role in providing emergency information and local service to communities across Washington and the nation. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this vital legislation to ensure AM radio is available in vehicles. Meeting with the Bahrain Ambassador I hosted the Bahrain Ambassador for a wide-ranging discussion on regional security and opportunities to deepen the US-Bahrain trade and investment. The conversation covered aluminum investments, which are important to Spokane and Eastern Washington industries, as well as fertilizer exports. We also discussed Bahrain’s role as a key Gulf security partner, host of the US Fifth Fleet, Abraham Accords signatory, and leader in efforts to promote regional Middle East stability. Meeting with the Swiss Ambassador I met with the Swiss Ambassador Dr. Ralph Hecknerm, to discuss the strong US-Swiss partnership and opportunities to deepen economic and commercial ties between our countries. Switzerland is the seventh largest foreign investor in the United States and the sixth largest investor in Washington state – supporting jobs, innovation, and trade. Our meeting also highlighted the close relationship between our countries on economic, security, and cultural issues and the importance of continuing to strengthen his longstanding partnership. Introduction of the Bipartisan Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act This week, the Natural Resources Committee announced a hearing on my bipartisan Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026 , which protects endangered salmon and steelhead from seal and sea lion predation. The bill would improve outdated methods of managing pinniped populations that have soared in recent years by expanding Columbia River pinniped management, authorizing a new Washington marine-waters 5-year permit system for lethal take and investing in nonlethal pinniped deterrence technology. I am proud this bipartisan legislation is supported by the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. Legislative Staff Meetings National Milk Producers Federation Cattle ranchers and dairy producers from Washington and Idaho stopped by my office this week to talk about House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson’s bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 . Farm labor costs and workforce shortages are serious challenges in Washington state. I am committed to supporting our producers, maintaining a secure border, and strengthening our agricultural economy. United Steelworkers My team met with folks from the United Steelworkers – including a worker from Kaiser Aluminum where they discussed the importance of maintaining Social Security for future generations, as well as expanding access to veterans’ support service resources in workplaces. American Retirement Association My legislative staff met with the American Retirement Association to discuss policies that help working families save and invest for retirement. I appreciate the Association’s advocacy and remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen retirement security for hardworking Americans. This Week in the 5th District CHAS Cheney Clinic My staff visited CHAS Health’s Cheney clinic for a tour and conversation with Phoebe Dawson and CHAS CEO Aaron Wilson. Healthcare is continually shaped by economic, demographic, technological, and policy changes, so it is important that our office remains in close contact with the providers caring for Eastern Washington families. CHAS providers have served more than 126,000 patients through over a half million visits during the past year. Our region is fortunate to have dedicated providers serving communities throughout Eastern Washington. GSI’s Housing Summit My staff attended Greater Spokane Incorporated’s (GSI) Housing Summit on Tuesday. Panelists representing local and county government attended, as well as people from the private sector. Building Owners and Managers Association Monthly Member Meeting My staff attended the Building Owners and Managers Association meeting where Washington Representative Suzanne Schmidt gave an update on state and regional policy issues to association members. Rep. Schmidt highlighted the work she and other members of the Washington House have undertaken to restrain further expansions of commercial building code regulations. Pend Oreille County, Newport Coffee with a Cop, Community Meeting My staff attended this month’s Pend Oreille Community Meeting, where local leaders, first responders, veterans, and community members discussed public safety and other local priorities. Participants recognized the bravery of Pend Oreille firefighters who recently responded to the Chelan fire complex, where two firefighters sustained recoverable burn injuries and a fire engine was lost. Innovative Green Concrete Technology in Spokane Staff visited AquiPor in Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood for a demonstration of its specially designed permeable concrete technology. The material can absorb and filter water, with potential applications for stormwater management, reducing pollutant runoff and protecting aquifer stability. It is encouraging to see Eastern Washington entrepreneurs developing practical innovations that support both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Eastern Washington Spotlights: Double Feature Honoring WSU Coach Jim Walden Coach Jim Walden served as WSU’s head football coach from 1978-1986. From the time he took over between the 1977 and 1978 seasons, he was not one to hold back as a coach, and neither was his Cougar football team. He guided WSU to the 1981 Holiday Bowl, WSU’s first postseason bowl game since the 1931 Rose Bowl. He finished his nine-year stint with 44 wins, at that time, second on the Washington State all-time list, while also being named Pac-10 Coach of the Year twice, once in 1981 and again in 1983. I commend Coach Walden’s unwavering passion for Cougar athletics, his will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire future Cougs. Watch my full floor speech below. Domantas Sabonis’ Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Donation I want to recognize the Gonzaga Men’s Basketball legend, Domantas Sabonis. He starred at Gonzaga during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons before embarking on what has been an outstanding NBA career. Sabonis provided the school with a transformative gift and had the program’s strength and conditioning center named after him in a dedication ceremony last week. Congratulations to Gonzaga Men’s Basketball on this well-deserved honor, and thank you, Domantas for your remarkable contributions to the game. Watch my full floor speech below. Profiles in Patriotism: Patty Gropp This week, I recognize Patty Gropp of Whitman County for her extraordinary service to young people and her community. As sewing project leader for the Albion Best Adventurers 4-H Club, Patty has expanded participation, organized the annual countywide 4-H Sewing and Cooking Camp, and revitalized the Fashion Revue at the Palouse Empire Fair. She has secured multiple grants for sewing machines, dress forms, and other equipment so that every young person has the opportunity to learn and succeed. Patty’s commitment to serving others extends far beyond the classroom. She is active in her church and leads annual holiday service projects that provide gift packages to residents of subsidized housing in Pullman and Christmas boxes for youth in extended foster care throughout Whitman County. By involving 4-H members in these efforts, she teaches the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving back to those in need. Patty embodies the spirit of  America 250 through her leadership, faith, and dedication to community. She believes patriotism is demonstrated through serving God, family, community, and country, and she lives out those principles every day. Her ability to mentor young people, create opportunities for others, and quietly strengthen her community makes her an outstanding example of the American spirit and someone truly deserving of recognition. Please continue to submit people you think have demonstrated patriotism through their service to our country, service to their community, leadership, volunteerism, civic engagement, or commitment to the values that make America strong. Click here to submit. Meet One of Our Interns Elaine Korn is an intern in my Spokane office and recently graduated summa cum laude as the Salutatorian of Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame. This fall, she will attend Benedictine College in Kansas, where she plans to study Political Science. Recently, Elaine traveled with the Spokane Symphony to perform at the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales, Australia. Elaine enjoys learning what it takes to keep a congressional office running efficiently and how our team works to serve constituents across Eastern Washington. She is especially pleased to gain firsthand experience in public service and discover new ways to better serve her community. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys reading and caring for animals. Apply for the 2026 Patriot Games: August 9-11 On behalf of White House Task Force 250, students (age 14-17) are cordially invited to apply for the 2026 Patriot Games – a national competition celebrating exceptional student athletes. Students will compete alongside young Americans from across the country for $250,000 in scholarship awards from August 9-11. C overage will stream on the ESPN App and culminate in a one-hour primetime ESPN on ABC special on Thursday, August 13th. Male and female athletes will be selected to represent their home state or territory on a national stage as they compete in a series of high-intensity challenges designed to test strength, speed, agility, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Over the course of the competition, athletes will face a series of demanding physical and mental challenges, culminating in the crowning of one male and one female Patriot Games champion. Apply here ! Students selected for the 2026 Patriot Games will have the opportunity to: Compete for a share of $250,000 in scholarship awards; Be featured nationally through coverage on the ESPN App and ESPN on ABC; Earn recognition as one of America’s outstanding young competitors; Develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and character; and Participate in a signature event celebrating America’s 250th birthday. New to Federal Grants? My Office is Here To Help! My office stands ready to assist your organization through the federal grant application process. This support includes submitting grant letters of support and facilitating pre-application reviews with federal agencies. Visit my grant application page for guidance and key resources to help eligible grant seekers find information on federal grants, loans, non-financial assistance, and private funding. Do you know somebody that would be interested in this information? Make sure to forward this to them and contact my office at (509) 353-2374. Making a trip to DC? Contact My Office! If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, I hope you’ll reach out to my DC office! My team and I are always happy to assist with arranging Capitol tours, White House tours, and other exciting opportunities to explore our nation’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, my team and I would love to help make your experience memorable. Just give us a call at (202) 225-2006 or visit baumgartner.house.gov/ services/tours-and-tickets to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, DC! It’s truly an honor to serve you. Sincerely, Rep. Michael Baumgartner Member of Congress Subscribe to the Newsletter