Press Releases
WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA‑05) today announced that Bill Plucker, a longtime teacher at Walla Walla High School, has been selected as the winner of this year’s Classroom to the Capitol Contest and will join the Congressman as his guest at the State of the Union Address on February 24.
Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) voted to pass a series of Appropriations bills; Defense, Transportation, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), and Homeland Security. These final bills mark the last steps in completing all twelve FY2026 appropriations bills, and avoiding the chaos of shutdown threats and stopgap spending.
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) is proud to announce the second annual State of the Union Ticket Contest, titled “Classroom to the Capitol,” celebrating the outstanding educators of Washington state’s 5th Congressional District. This annual tradition recognizes one exceptional teacher who exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a lasting impact on students.
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner voted for a series of Appropriations bills; Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), Energy and Water, and Interior and Environment. Together, these three bills make smart, targeted investments that strengthen America’s energy independence and national defense, support law enforcement and the fight against illegal drugs, expand access to critical minerals, and give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect our communities and landscapes.
WASHINGTON- With federal investigations in Minnesota exposing large-scale fraud in child nutrition and Medicaid-related programs, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) today sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, calling on them to conduct a program‑integrity review of federally funded benefits in Washington state.
WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) is calling on Governor Bob Ferguson to act swiftly and ensure Washington families can benefit from the new federal Tax Credit Program for Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) created under the Working Families Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, landmark legislation passed by Republicans earlier this year.
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following statement on the passage of the S.356, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025.
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of H.R. 4405, The Epstein Files Transparency Act.
“Today, I voted to release the Epstein Files because, as I have long said, the evil and predatory network surrounding Jeffrey Epstein must be fully exposed. The American people deserve the truth, and every victim of sexual assault deserves justice. That pursuit of justice begins with transparency and accountability.
WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the final passage of the continuing resolution (CR) ending the government shutdown.