Congressman Michael Baumgartner here, checking in with my “bosses”! I promised to keep you updated on the issues that matter most to Eastern Washington, so here’s an update on my week as your representative in Congress.

Connecting with Constituents: A Week of Meaningful Conversations

As you know, no week in Congress is like the next. My favorite part of this job is meeting with constituents and hearing directly from the people I represent. Your voices are at the heart of my work in Congress, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the issues that matter most to you. This week, I had the privilege of meeting with several constituent groups, including  the Spokane 4-H Group, Vaagen Brothers Lumber, and the Washington State Treasurer. These conversations are crucial to my role serving you and, offering valuable insights on a range of issues and fostering productive dialogue that leads to real change.

Protecting Taxpayer Dollars: Preventing Fraud While Funding the Government

On Tuesday, the House successfully passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 in a 217-213 vote, which keeps the government open and ensures critical services remain operational. This bill maintains essential funding for programs to enhance national security, veterans’ healthcare, and air traffic control, all without raising taxes or increasing the financial burden on taxpayers. Most importantly, it prevents the disruptions that a government shutdown would cause, ensuring stability for all Americans.

As your representative in Congress, I believe it’s our constitutional duty to fund the government, and I’m committed to fulfilling that responsibility. While continuing resolutions aren’t the ideal solution, this one ensures that our government can continue serving the American people through the end of the fiscal year and allows Congress the time to get back to the regular budget appropriations process.

I was proud to support the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act to ensure those who stole taxpayer dollars during the pandemic are held accountable.  Right now, the Department of Justice is handling over 1,600 open fraud cases, and the Labor Department has 157,000 unresolved unemployment fraud complaints.  Without this bill, many of these criminals could escape justice, costing taxpayers billions.   In 2022, Congress took similar action for fraud in small business relief programs, and this  bill builds on that effort.  This is about fairness–protecting taxpayers and making sure fraudsters don’t get away with it.  

In big ways–like keeping the government open while freezing spending levels–and in targeted ways–like protecting taxpayer dollars from outright theft–I’m focused on delivering responsible, commonsense solutions that put Eastern Washington first.

Upcoming Town Halls

Over the last few weeks, I have heard your calls about the need for town halls and the desire to have a discussion about all of the things going on in DC. On Monday, March 17, I am having two town halls to discuss with all of you, my ‘bosses’, the issues that matter most to you. 

I will be starting my day in Ritzville at Legion Hall, 106 W. Broadway Ave Ritzville, WA 99169, at 8:30-9:30pm. I will then head to Spokane for a town hall event hosted by Whitworth University’s Democracy & Discourse Committee at 6:00pm in the Cowles Auditorium. Those wanting to attend this event must register for a ticket on Whitworth’s Democracy & Discourse website. Please note that space is limited, and no one will be admitted without a mobile or paper ticket.

How My Office Can Help You! 

I want you to know that first and foremost I came to Congress to fight for Eastern Washington – its values and its people. That means, whether you voted for me or not, I work for you. My team and I are here to help if you ever need assistance navigating a federal agency or with casework. If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. Whether you have questions about veterans benefits or social security benefits my team is ready to assist.

With tax season in full swing, I want to remind you that we are here to help you connect with the IRS if you’re having difficulty reaching them. Don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need support during this busy time. We’re here for you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.  I hope to keep communicating regularly—through updates like this newsletter, town halls, radio, TV, Zoom calls, and social media.

It is truly an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michael Baumgartner

Member of Congress