Press Releases
WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Chair of the College Sports Caucus, introduced H.R. 1552, the Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust (PROTECT) Student Athletes Act. This legislation would protect student athletes by prohibiting prop bets related to their performance during intercollegiate sporting events. Prop bets, as defined in the bill, are wagers on specific actions or achievements by a student athlete that may or may not directly influence the outcome of the event.
WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 1048, the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, much-needed legislation that provides transparency and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities. Last Congress, the DETERRENT Act passed the House in a 246-170 vote, with 215 Republicans and 31 Democrats.
WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) is excited to announce the launch of the State of the Union Ticket Contest, titled “Classroom to the Capitol,” to recognize outstanding teachers in Washington State’s 5th Congressional District. This contest provides an opportunity for one exceptional teacher to attend the 2025 State of the Union address as Congressman Baumgartner’s guest and be honored for their dedication to shaping the future of students.
WASHINGTON– Rep. Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) released the following statement on the Laken Riley Act being signed into law.
“Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, a significant step toward commonsense immigration reform and securing our borders,” said Rep. Baumgarter. “I've always been an advocate for such reforms, and I'm proud to have supported this legislation. This law will help protect all Americans and prevent future tragedies like Laken Riley’s.”
WASHINGTON- Rep. Baumgartner is returning to Eastern Washington for a week packed with town hall meetings, visits to key government facilities, and discussions with community leaders from across the region.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act.
WASHINGTON– Rep. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) announces his appointment to the House Committee on Education and Workforce, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“These critical positions will allow me to have a hand in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy and will enable me to effectively address the needs of our community and secure a brighter future for Eastern Washington and the nation,” said Rep. Baumgartner.
WASHINGTON– The County of Walla Walla has been awarded a significant $108,547,980 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to complete the final section of the US 12 four-lane highway from Wallula to Nine Mile Hill. This funding is part of the FY25-26 Rural Multi-Phase Development Grant (MPDG) program, aimed at improving critical transportation infrastructure in rural communities.
