Your Voice in Congress: July 10, 2026 Update from Rep. Baumgartner
This week our nation celebrated its 250th anniversary. As we reflect on the sacrifices of those who secured our independence and the generations who have defended our liberties, we also look ahead with confidence in America’s future. This historic milestone is an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage, renew our commitment to the principles of liberty and self-government, and inspire the next generation to carry our nation’s story forward.
This week the City of Spokane Valley celebrated that they will receive more than $20.8 million in U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD funding for the Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project. I was proud to support this project as one of my FY26 transportation priorities because it will improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen freight movement throughout Eastern Washington. Congratulations to the City of Spokane Valley and everyone whose hard work helped make this investment possible.
This Week In DC
One-Year Anniversary of ‘The Working Families Tax Cuts’ Act
This week, we commemorated the one-year anniversary of ‘The Working Families Tax Cut Act’ becoming law. One year ago, I voted in favor of historic tax relief for working families, seniors, and small businesses. By lowering taxes, we helped families keep more of what they earn, encouraged businesses to invest and create jobs, and invested in rural healthcare and border security. While there’s still more work to do, this was an important step toward making life more affordable and expanding economic opportunity. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, protect family farms, and make sure families in Eastern Washington keep more of what they earn.
What the law has done to help Eastern Washington:
- Permanent Estate Tax Relief – helped family farms and ranches pass from one generation to the next without selling assets to pay federal taxes;
- Extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts – prevented an estimated $4-$5 trillion tax hike on the working and middle class;
- Boosted Child Tax Credit – increased the fully refundable child tax credit to up to $2,500 per child;
- No Tax on Overtime – eliminated the federal income tax on overtime pay for hourly wage earners;
- No Tax on Tips – ensured gratuities are completely tax-free for millions of service workers and tipped employees;
- Invested in Rural Healthcare – established a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program;
- Trump Accounts – created investment accounts for eligible newborns to receive a $1,000 federal grant giving children a head start on saving for education, homeownership, and other future expenses; and
- Social Security Tax Relief – delivered the largest senior tax cut in U.S. history by providing a senior tax credit to offset federal taxes paid on Social Security benefits for a vast majority of seniors.
Trump Accounts are Now Live
The Trump child investment accounts, created by ‘The Working Families Tax Cut Act’ are the most transformational investment into America’s future we’ve ever seen. It gets American children started on the trajectory of lifetime savings and I couldn’t be more proud of what Congress has helped do for the future of American children.
Start investing today by visiting TRUMPACCOUNTS.GOV.
This Week in the 5th District
Visit with Gold Miners
I enjoyed meeting with small-claim gold miners and officials from the U.S. Forest Service to learn more about the process of responsibly bringing mines into production. Mining has long been an important part of Eastern Washington’s economy, and with the right balance of responsible stewardship and commonsense permitting, we can unlock our natural resources while protecting our public lands. We need policies that support American miners, strengthen our supply chains, create good-paying jobs, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. It’s time to Make American Mining Great Again!
Pend Oreille America 250
My staff were pleased to join and speak with the folks of Pend Oreille County for their celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in front of the Old County Courthouse in Newport. The event featured a reading of the Declaration of Independence from community leaders across Newport and Pend Oreille County and a wonderful performance from the high school band. It was great to see such a patriotic gathering as we reflect on our country’s 250 years.
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
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.
Valedictorian Certificates
Congratulations to our High School Valedictorians! Academic excellence deserves to be celebrated, so I am proud to be sending special Congressional recognitions to our District’s Class of 2026 valedictorians. This week, my team was out on the Palouse, delivering these awards in person to high schools in Colfax, Rosalia, Colton, and LaCrosse. Thanks to Tawnya Miller at LaCrosse, and for all the other educators and administrators that serve our communities and strive to set high standards for our students!
Inland Northwest Partner’s Main Street Strategies Meeting
On Thursday, my staff attended a gathering of economic development experts from across the region at Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) Hargreaves Hall to discuss best practices and strategies for economic development in communities small and large. We learned about renewal efforts underway in eastern Washington and about strategies that are working well in communities elsewhere in the western US.
CHAS Frontier Health Groundbreaking
Staff attended the groundbreaking ceremony for this new clinic in Spokane. The 9,800-square-foot facility – a first-of-its-kind one-stop shop model in partnership with CHAS Health – will bring together primary care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment under one roof in the heart of downtown Spokane. Once open in 2027, the clinic will serve over 4,000 patients annually, employ 30 full-time staff, and provide critically needed services to low-income residents, Medicaid enrollees, and individuals experiencing homelessness in one of Washington’s most medically underserved areas.
Whitman Port Demo Event
When you hear about an event called “Demolition and Donuts” you know it’s not something to miss… so staff was on hand in Colfax with the Port of Whitman County Thursday morning to visit a tear-down project on a Port property that may be developed into a new childcare facility for the community. Kudos to Port Commissioners Tom Kammerzell, Kristine Meyer, and Karl Webber, their team, and all the local partners working together to find creative solutions to improve Colfax and our Whitman County communities.
LaCrosse Community Pride
We are so blessed to have such charming towns in the 5th District, particularly on the Palouse (where I grew up) and it takes a lot of work and community spirit to maintain their economic vitality and preserve their heritage. This week my team wanted to highlight the work of LaCrosse Community Pride (LCP), the local organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the town of LaCrosse, which sits just north of Highway 26 halfway between Colfax and Washtucna.
Proud to be the “Third Smallest Main Street Community in the United States,” Executive Director Sarah Kane, along with Jamie Camp and some stalwart volunteers and supporters, have a number of projects in the works aiming to take some unique parts of LaCrosse’s past to support its future. From the ‘Rock Bunkhouses’ available to rent on Airbnb, to maintaining the Ice Age Flood Exhibit, to bringing events to the Gathering Place, the LCP demonstrates amazing dedication to improving LaCrosse and helping our Eastern Washington communities thrive. Keep up the good work!
Announcing $20.8 Million DOT Award for Spokane Valley’s Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project
My district team attended this week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting, where the council recognized the recent announcement of more than $20.8 million in U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD funding for the Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project and expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the federal delegation. I was proud to support Spokane Valley’s application and make this project one of my FY26 transportation priorities. My staff was honored to offer congratulatory remarks, and I congratulate the City of Spokane Valley and its transportation team on securing this important investment that will improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen freight mobility across Eastern Washington.
Celebrating Growth and Infrastructure in Burbank
Yesterday, my staff was proud to attend the ribbon cutting for Century Pipe’s new manufacturing facility in Burbank. The company’s investment brings advanced HDPE pipe manufacturing to Walla Walla County, supporting an estimated 25 to 30 local jobs while strengthening the region’s industrial base. Century Pipe produces engineered high-density polyethylene piping used in critical municipal, industrial, landfill, chemical, and water-infrastructure applications.
Their new 53,000-square-foot facility is a meaningful example of how Eastern Washington can grow good-paying manufacturing jobs while supplying the practical infrastructure products that communities, farms, and businesses rely on every day. We congratulate Century Pipe and its team on this exciting milestone and look forward to seeing the company’s continued impact in Burbank and across the region.
Eastern Washington Spotlight
Retirement of Cindy Dodge: 28 Years with Les Schwab Tires, Colville
Congratulations to Cindy Dodge, a universally beloved employee of Les Schwab Tires. Cindy has assisted customers since February 15, 1988. To her, everyone is a friend, always greeted with a genuine smile. She and her husband, Greg of 45 years, raised their family in the tight knit community of Colville.
Cindy is a great example of how one person’s commitment to family, work, and community make a meaningful difference to so many. We wish her many years of happiness in a well-deserved retirement. Staff presented Cindy a challenge coin in recognition of her service to the community she loves.
In the News
Op-Ed: Congressman Michael Baumgartner: America can win the AI race without sending the bill to working families
Congressman Baumgartner argues that Eastern Washington should welcome AI data centers because of the jobs and innovation they can bring, but only if companies—not local families, farmers, or small businesses—pay the full cost of the power and water infrastructure they require. His Power and Water for Families Act would establish a national framework to protect communities and natural resources while ensuring the United States remains a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Legislative Meetings
Homeless Coalition
Employees of Catholic Charities and other philanthropic groups visited this week to talk about the national shortage of affordable housing. I am pleased that Congress recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to encourage building of more housing by cutting red tape, boosting affordable housing financing and streamlining construction, while also reforming federal housing programs. I will continue to work on this issue which has a big impact on families in Eastern Washington.
American Association of School Administrators
This week in DC, my staff met with representatives from the American Association of School Administrators. This group of Superintendents from Washington state talked about the importance of federal funding for our K-12 schools, which represents about 10% of the budgets for school districts in our state. We have many outstanding educators in Eastern Washington, but I am concerned we are spending more money and getting worse results from our public education system. I look forward to continued dialogue.
USA Pulses
Tim McGreevy of USA Pulses stopped into our office this week. Anyone who knows the Palouse knows how important lentils, chickpeas, and other pulses are to agriculture in our region. We discussed trade policy, and the need to ensure stability and predictability for our farmers in Eastern Washington. Profitable farming depends on access to global markets, fair rules, and long-term planning. Our international relationships matter. Our market access matters. Our producers compete on a global stage and succeed because they are innovative, efficient, and trusted.
Profiles in Patriotism Spotlight: Bob and Sue Walker
Sue and Bob Walker exemplify enduring American values through their commitment to one another and service to their country and community. After meeting in 1960, Bob and Sue married in 1964 and began their family soon after, with Sue attending business school and Bob working for the Washington National Guard. Their journey took them to Pullman and then Spokane, where Bob started a career with the Spokane Police Department and Sue dedicated herself to raising their sons and volunteering in numerous community roles, including Cub Scouts, athletics, and church. Sue notably became the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Spokane Police Credit Union, holding the position of secretary for 15 years.
Bob’s commitment to service extended to his nearly 29 years with the police department, where he established the Volunteer Services Unit, and to his distinguished tenure in the Washington State National Guard, retiring as a Lt. Col. Sue actively supported him through auxiliary groups, and their circle of friends grew through these shared experiences. Their home became a haven for hundreds of young people over the years, reflecting their generosity and community spirit.
Even in retirement, Sue and Bob continue to volunteer, notably supporting the Inland Northwest Honor Flight project for WWII veterans and acting as chaperones on trips to Washington, DC. Sue has been involved in many local activities, which includes the Spokane Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Project, helping raise $200,000 for the monument and preserving the rich history of the police department for future generations. Together, the Walkers have left an indelible mark on the community through decades of service, commitment, and compassion.
Meet One of Our Interns:
Michael Halloran
Michael serves as an intern in our Spokane office. He applied for the internship in order to gain firsthand experience in how the government serves constituents and how public policy impacts businesses, communities, and the economy. Michael is a finance and economics major at Spokane Falls Community College and is eager to contribute while learning how a congressional office operates behind the scenes and how decisions made in government affect the real world. Outside of the internship, Michael enjoys exploring topics related to economics, finance, and entrepreneurship, as well as training for basketball and technical mountaineering. Michael’s long-term goal is to build a career in business while continuing to develop his understanding of government, finance, economics, and public policy and their role in shaping communities and businesses.
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. Coverage 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.
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.
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in our district. This annual, nationwide competition—sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives—aims to encourage innovation and highlight student talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students can create an original app on any topic, using any platform or programming language, and submit it either individually or as part of a team of up to four members.
The winning app from our district will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, featured on the official Congressional App Challenge website, and its creators will be invited to Washington, DC for the #HouseOfCode celebration. To be eligible, students must be in middle or high school as of October 26, 2026, and must reside in or attend school in Washington’s 5th Congressional District.
For more information or to register and submit your app, please click here to get started. The deadline is October 26th.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact collin.tracy@mail.house.gov or call our office at (509) 353-2374.
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