url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/19/after-colorado-acts-baumgartner-urges-governor-ferguson-to-opt-into-new-tax-credit-program-for-washington/,"After Colorado Acts, Baumgartner Urges Governor Ferguson to Opt Into New Tax Credit Program for Washington",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"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. “I applaud Governor Polis of Colorado for expanding his state’s access to the new tax credit, a major win for families and school choice,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Now it’s time for Governor Ferguson to do the same for Washington. Our students, families, and communities deserve the same access to flexible, high-quality education opportunities. Bob Ferguson needs to show that he is a protector of Washington students and not a puppet of Washington’s teachers union.” Effective January 1, 2027, this new federal tax credit will allow taxpayers to claim a refundable credit of up to $1,700 for individual filers who contribute to approved SGOs. These organizations provide scholarships to students attending public, private, and secondary schools, expanding access and flexibility for families to choose the educational environment that best fits their children. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, computers, special needs services, and other necessary educational expenses. Importantly, scholarships awarded through these SGOs will be tax-free income for recipients and their families — a direct investment in students and local schools. To enable Washington residents to take further advantage of this opportunity with state groups, Governor Ferguson must submit a list of qualified non-profits eligible to be SGOs to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury by January 1st. Several states are already taking action, including Colorado, whose Governor Jared Polis recently announced Colorado’s intention to participate.",1,2026-05-07T13:38:59Z,2026-05-07T13:40:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-he-will-not-seek-reelection,Newhouse Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement announcing he will not run for reelection in 2026. ""I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving the Fourth District of Washington has been the honor of my life, and this decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress. After over 25 years of public service, including more than a decade in the House, I am grateful to the Washingtonians who put their faith in me, as well as the colleagues I have served with on both sides of the aisle. Public service takes many forms. As I look forward to this new chapter and ways I can continue to serve my community and this great Nation, I do so with confidence that there are now qualified and serious people expressing interest in this office. Central Washington will have a strong, capable leader to whom I can pass the torch. I thank my family for their steadfast love and support which allowed me this opportunity to serve. I am truly humbled by this uniquely American journey that took a farm boy from Sunnyside, Washington clear across the country to represent his friends and neighbors in the ‘other’ Washington. I will continue to serve my district with energy and enthusiasm until the end of my term. God bless America and God bless the people of the Fourth District of Washington."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-wa-delegation-request-emergency-declaration-amid-severe-storms,"Newhouse, WA Delegation Request Emergency Declaration Amid Severe Storms and Flooding",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined his colleagues from the Washington State Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging approval of the State of Washington's request for an expedited Emergency Declaration amid dangerous storms and flooding across the state. ""This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts,"" the Delegation wrote. ""We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible."" The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts ""catastrophic"" river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, ""considerable flooding"" in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia, and ""moderate"" flooding along the Yakima River in Yakima and Benton Counties. On Wednesday, December 10, Rep. Newhouse received an update from the National Weather Service and the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District. The Congressman and his district staff remain engaged with stakeholders, constituents, and the Trump Administration on the ongoing flooding. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-final-passage-fy26-ndaa,Baumgartner Issues Statement on Final Passage of FY26 NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"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). “The passage of the NDAA is first and foremost about keeping faith with the men and women who wear the uniform and the families who stand behind them,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It gives our troops in Eastern Washington a much-needed pay raise, safer barracks to sleep in, better homes for their families, and stronger hospitals and clinics when they need care. It also takes on the drugs flowing into our communities, stands shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the globe, and makes sure they can count on America when it matters most. Supporting this bill was an easy choice, because it honors the sacrifice of those who serve, keeps them safer on and off the battlefield, and reflects the values we share as a nation.” The passage of the FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion for the following national defense priorities including but not limited to: Improves the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and increased benefits for military families; Authorizes $1 billion to fight drug trafficking; Authorizes over $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing; Authorizes over $335 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities; Streamlines and improves the international arms sales process to ensure that the United States remains the partner of choice for our allies; Advances the President’s “Peace Through Strength” initiative by authorizing $400 million for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and by fully funding the U.S. commitment to defend Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs; and Authorizes funds to construct the Golden Dome Background: The NDAA passed the House on September 10, 2025, and the Senate passed their version on October 10, 2025. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees reached bipartisan, bicameral agreements to get the final version on the House Floor, which passed the House by a 312-112 vote. The final NDAA bill must now pass the Senate before it can go to the President to be signed into law.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/10/baumgartner-issues-statement-on-final-passage-of-fy26-ndaa/,Baumgartner Issues Statement on Final Passage of FY26 NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"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). “The passage of the NDAA is first and foremost about keeping faith with the men and women who wear the uniform and the families who stand behind them,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It gives our troops in Eastern Washington a much-needed pay raise, safer barracks to sleep in, better homes for their families, and stronger hospitals and clinics when they need care. It also takes on the drugs flowing into our communities, stands shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the globe, and makes sure they can count on America when it matters most. Supporting this bill was an easy choice, because it honors the sacrifice of those who serve, keeps them safer on and off the battlefield, and reflects the values we share as a nation.” The passage of the FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion for the following national defense priorities including but not limited to: Improves the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and increased benefits for military families; Authorizes $1 billion to fight drug trafficking; Authorizes over $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing; Authorizes over $335 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities; Streamlines and improves the international arms sales process to ensure that the United States remains the partner of choice for our allies; Advances the President’s “Peace Through Strength” initiative by authorizing $400 million for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and by fully funding the U.S. commitment to defend Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs; and Authorizes funds to construct the Golden Dome Background: The NDAA passed the House on September 10, 2025, and the Senate passed their version on October 10, 2025. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees reached bipartisan, bicameral agreements to get the final version on the House Floor, which passed the House by a 312-112 vote. The final NDAA bill must now pass the Senate before it can go to the President to be signed into law.",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:39Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-passage-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act,Baumgartner Issues Statement on Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following statement on the passage of the S.356, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. “Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program was long overdue, and today’s vote finally delivers the certainty our rural communities have been asking for. In counties like Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, and Columbia, these dollars keep teachers in classrooms, students on buses, and core programs running for families who live and work near our national forests. This is about keeping faith with our rural communities that have done their part for generations and deserve to know that their schools and kids won’t be left behind.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-pro-nuclear-energy-legislation,Newhouse Introduces Pro-Nuclear Energy Legislation,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Parity for Nuclear Energy Investment Act to expand tax incentives for investments in U.S. nuclear energy development. ""After protecting tax credits for nuclear energy in the Working Families Tax Cuts, it is time to expand investment opportunities for new projects in places like the Tri-Cities,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""The Administration is expediting efforts to produce more American nuclear energy, and Richland will be home to some of the first small modular reactors which will help achieve that goal. These projects will create new high-quality jobs, increase economic development, and make Central Washington a leader in the future of U.S. nuclear energy production."" This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) and Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and is supported by Energy Northwest, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Elementl Power, Constellation Energy, Holtec International, the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, and X-Energy. Rep. Fleischmann said, ""President Trump has made unleashing American energy dominance one of the top priorities of his Administration. The historic One Big Beautiful Bill ensures that nuclear communities in Tennessee and nationwide receive the tax credits they need to continue investing in new nuclear technologies that are essential to expanding nuclear power, which is critical to meeting our future energy needs and securing our energy independence. I am proud to lead this bill with my good friend, Rep. Newhouse, to ensure that we continue strengthening and supporting America's nuclear communities.” Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest, said, ""This important bill from Congressman Newhouse reflects the national imperative to lead on advanced nuclear. It ensures the new nuclear energy communities bonus tax credit will benefit the world-class workforce and residents of the Tri-Cities, bringing down the cost of the new nuclear projects needed for grid reliability in for the Pacific Northwest."" Maria Korsnick, President and CEO, the Nuclear Energy Institute, said, ""We commend Representative Newhouse for his support to close an important gap in the tax incentives for commercial nuclear technologies. Allowing new nuclear projects to claim the nuclear-specific energy community bonus under the section 48E tax credit mirrors what is already available for projects under the section 45Y tax credit. The change being proposed in the legislation will support new nuclear deployment and bring even more high-quality jobs to communities across the country."" Chris Colbert, Chairman and CEO, Elementl Power, said, ""We strongly support the new legislation introduced by Representative Newhouse to address critical gaps in the current energy tax credit framework. By extending the nuclear communities bonus to the investment tax credit, this legislation will help spur the construction of new nuclear plants to meet our country’s growing power demands, unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation, and local economic growth in communities that have long supported America’s energy leadership."" David Dardis, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Policy Officer, Constellation Energy, said, ""Constellation applauds Congressman Newhouse’s leadership and commitment to fostering innovation and growth in America’s energy sector. His bill providing parity for the Energy Communities credit to Section 48E will help drive investment in new, reliable clean energy projects at a critical time as we work to meet growing energy demand."" Pat O'Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications, Holtec International, said, ""Congressman Newhouse is a leader in nuclear power because he understands the most significant hurdle to a true renaissance in baseload power is the construction cost. This provision doesn’t pay for the power plant but instead enables private capital to become obtainable. Significantly, it enables the new baseload power generation to site where previous plants have operated."" Todd Abrajano, President and CEO of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, said, “Representative Newhouse’s bill is a timely, practical step that gives investors the certainty they need to move forward on the next wave of U.S. nuclear projects. By enabling advanced nuclear projects to claim the nuclear communities bonus through the investment tax credit, this bill will unlock long-term investment, spur new projects, and ensure that communities like the Tri-Cities remain leaders in deploying the next generation of clean, reliable power.” Background The Working Families Tax Cuts added a new bonus credit incentive with respect to the Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit under U.S. Code Section 45Y for “advanced nuclear facilities” located in “nuclear energy communities,” which are any metropolitan statistical area (MSA) that has, or any time since 2010 has had, 0.17% direct employment related to the advancement of nuclear power. This bonus incentive for the 45Y credit increases a facility’s otherwise applicable production tax credit rate by 10 percent but does not apply to the 48E Investment Tax Credit. This legislation would create parity for advanced nuclear energy investment by making available this 10 percent new bonus incentive with respect to the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit under U.S. Code Section 48E. Additionally, it would grant eligibility to new advanced nuclear facilities in non-metropolitan statistical areas, which makes this bonus tax credit consistent with those in existing law for other energy generation sources. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program,Newhouse Votes to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act of 2025, by the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 399-5. ""The Secure Rural Schools program has provided critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than seven hundred counties across the country, including here in Central Washington,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""This longstanding commitment from the federal government helps rural areas where resources are stretched thin, and the program’s lapse has put a real strain on counties who historically depend on these funds. As a longtime supporter of SRS, I am pleased to see this program reauthorized, and I am thankful for the bipartisan support we have in making sure rural communities begin receiving this assistance again."" Funding for the SRS program lapsed in 2023, resulting in school closures, delayed road and bridge maintenance, and reduced public safety services. This legislation, passed by the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent on June 18, 2025, reauthorizes the SRS program for rural communities who depend on it. Background Since 1908, federal law has required the U.S. Forest Service to share 25 percent of revenue generated on federal land with local governments for public schools and public roads of the county or counties in which the forest reserve is situated. For decades, timber sales were the largest source of revenue for local jurisdictions in these areas. However, as revenues declined, this created unexpected and prolonged fiscal challenges for local governments home to untaxed National Forest lands. In response, Congress enacted the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, giving counties the option to receive SRS payments to support public services like road maintenance, infrastructure, education, wildfire mitigation, and other efforts to address public safety. Congress has consistently reauthorized these payments with overwhelming bipartisan support. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/09/baumgartner-issues-statement-on-passage-of-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-of-2025/,Baumgartner Issues Statement on Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following statement on the passage of the S.356, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. “Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program was long overdue, and today’s vote finally delivers the certainty our rural communities have been asking for. In counties like Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, and Columbia, these dollars keep teachers in classrooms, students on buses, and core programs running for families who live and work near our national forests. This is about keeping faith with our rural communities that have done their part for generations and deserve to know that their schools and kids won’t be left behind.”",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:39Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-usda-relief-payments,Newhouse Statement on USDA Relief Payments,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of financial relief to farmers impacted by market disruptions. ""Farmers across the United States, including in Central Washington, are reaching a breaking point because of supply chain issues, high input costs, and uncertainty around foreign market access. While this announcement primarily benefits row crop producers, other specialty crop growers will need additional assistance as they struggle to make ends meet due to continued high labor costs,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins for rolling out a bridge to get farmers and ranchers through lean times. I know they understand, as I do, that producers would prefer market certainty over direct payments from the federal government. I look forward to continuing working with this Administration to lower labor costs, reduce regulatory burdens, implement the agriculture provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut, and ensure American farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to make it to the next growing season."" According to USDA, $12 billion will be made available for one time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs impacting farmers. Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers who produce barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and sunflower. The remaining $1 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development by USDA. USDA said farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-welcomes-secretary-wright-visit-energy-innovation-and-hanford,Newhouse Welcomes Secretary Wright for Visit on Energy Innovation and Hanford Mission,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"TRI-CITIES – This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in the Tri-Cities for visits to Department of Energy projects including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Hanford Site. ""It was a pleasure showing Secretary Wright how much Central Washington contributes to reliable, affordable, American energy. After several visits to some of our most important energy projects, the Secretary has seen firsthand how our region is leading the nation in both innovation and development,"" said Rep Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""At Hanford, Secretary Wright witnessed how decades of hard work have resulted in the world’s largest vitrification plant and reaffirmed his commitment to the success of the Hanford mission. This Administration understands the role our national lab plays in the future of our nation's energy capabilities, that our Lower Snake River dams are the shining example of hydropower in our vast energy portfolio, and that Hanford is delivering on the government’s commitment to clean up the site."" On December 4, Rep. Newhouse and Secretary Wright visited PNNL to hear from leaders and scientists on how the lab is supporting developing energy technologies and commissioned new technology to advance the mission of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research program. The Secretary explained how our National Labs are ""crown jewels"" of the scientific community and that PNNL is a world-class institution. While at PNNL, Secretary Wright discussed President Trumps' recent Executive Order launching the Genesis Mission, a new national effort to use artificial intelligence to transform how scientific research is conducted and accelerate the speed of scientific discovery. U.S. National Labs will be a key piece of the mission. The Secretary also spoke on the importance of the four Lower Snake River dams after visiting the Ice Harbor Dam. He discussed how important our dams are in keeping rates low and ensuring grid reliability, even during high demand. Secretary Wright leads a press conference at PNNL on December 4, 2025. (Office of Rep. Dan Newhouse) On December 5, Rep. Newhouse and Secretary Wright visited Hanford, where the Secretary saw for the first time the Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant. In October, Bechtel announced the plant had successfully converted the first batch of radioactive and chemical waste into glass through the vitrification process. The plant will process and stabilize much of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored in underground tanks at the Hanford site. When fully operational, the plant will process an average of 5,300 gallons of tank waste per day. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water responsible for funding the U.S. Department of Energy, Rep. Newhouse will work closely with Secretary Wright to support PNNL, the Hanford mission, and protect the Lower Snake River dams. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-strengthen-urban-canals,Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Urban Canals,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act alongside Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Russ Fulcher (R-ID) to help the Bureau of Reclamation repair urban canals of concern. ""Urban canal maintenance is an issue across the country, but especially in Grant County, Washington,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation gives local authorities additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern. I strongly support this bill and thank Rep. Simpson for again leading this important effort."" Rep. Simpson said, ""We must address urban canal repairs to protect Idahoans and Westerners’ way of life. The substantial urban growth around irrigation canals has created challenges and poses a threat to communities nearby. It’s well past time we act on these concerns. The Urban Canal Modernization Act does just that by maintaining safety, expanding accessibility, and providing additional tools to ensure these crucial repairs get completed."" Rep. Gray said, ""While California’s population has more than doubled since the mid-20th century, our water capacity hasn’t expanded to meet the needs of our communities. The federal government must invest in our existing water systems to reduce costs on water users and our farmers. The bipartisan Urban Canal Modernization Act would rebuild crumbling, outdated water infrastructure in the Valley to bring us into the 21st century."" Rep. Fulcher said, ""Urban canals are vital to agricultural, irrigation, and the water needs of our communities. Yet much of this critical infrastructure—some of it more than a century old—is in urgent need of repair. The Urban Canals Modernization Act is a common-sense solution to help address these challenges and ensure our canals in Idaho and across the country get the updates they need. I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor."" This legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35 percent non-reimbursable cost share to help repair and rehabilitate urban canals through areas that would cause significant property damage or possible loss of life if the canal were to fail. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-faa-review-inslees-horse-heaven-hills-wind-farm,Newhouse Calls for FAA Review of Inslee's Horse Heaven Hills Wind Farm,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Bryan Bedford requesting a re-examination of a previous determination on the Horse Heaven Hill Wind Project's potential hazardous impact on airspace in the region. ""I share the concerns of the residents in the Tri-Cities with the proposed wind project because of potential devasting impacts to the airspace. It includes commercial flights to PSC, Department of Defense military training routes, medivac flights from Oregon to the area’s only level II trauma center, and the utilization of air tankers for aerial firefighting. This project adds unnecessary and significant risks to aviation that need to be recognized and considered,"" Rep. Newhouse wrote in the letter. Newhouse added, ""Unfortunately, former Governor Jay Inslee ignored these potential impacts to air operations and stakeholder concerns when he expediently permitted this project...There remains a great deal of concern about its impact on safe and reliable air operations. I believe a rigorous re-examination of the prior determination of no hazard is essential to properly and accurately assess this project’s impact on the community."" In November 2024, Former Governor Jay Inslee approved a 24-mile-long wind farm on the Horse Heaven Hills in Benton County, WA. The project has been met with staunch opposition from local residents, state legislators, and tribal communities. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-daines-urge-house-leadership-pass-legislation-build-more,"Newhouse, Daines Urge House Leadership to Pass Legislation to Build More Hydropower",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) sent a letter to Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise urging swift passage of their “Build More Hydro” bill - S. 1020/H.R. 2072. ""We write to you to urge the passage of S.1020 (H.R. 2072), our ‘Build More Hydro’ bill, a bipartisan bill that authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects nationwide. On July 9, 2025, S.1020 passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the House received the bill on August 1, 2025, where it remains held at the desk awaiting action. If S. 1020 is not enacted, 37 unconstructed, FERC-licensed hydropower projects across 15 states, representing more than 2.6GW of baseload power and $6.5 billion in investment, are at risk of termination… …Since the introduction of this bill, approximately 100MW of hydropower has been put on hold with an additional 36MW forced into limbo by the end of the year because of congressional inaction. Hydropower supplies baseload electricity to over 30 million homes, provides 96% of utility-scale energy storage, and remains vital to flood control, water storage, irrigation, and grid reliability services… Losing these projects would undermine grid reliability at a time when we can least afford it. Advancing S.1020 before the end of the year is an essential step to protect American energy security, ensure reliable power to communities across the nation and prevent the loss of billions in investment,"" Newhouse and Daines wrote in the letter. Senator Daines’s S. 1020, which passed the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent in July 2025, would extend construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects nationwide and increase American energy production. Rep. Newhouse introduced the companion legislation, H.R. 2072, earlier this year. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-strengthen-us-timber-industry,Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Timber Industry,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act alongside Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) to permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP). ""Washington State’s timber industry supplies our region with good paying jobs, helps reduce the risk of wildfires, and is a tool in responsibly managing our forests,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""The SAWMILL Act gives timber mills the ability to grow their operations and support rural communities who stand to benefit even more from a strong, local timber industry. As we work in Congress on a wide range of policies to protect our forests, this legislation is a positive step we can take to make sure the federal government is making it easier for the industry to be successful here at home."" Rep. Sewell said, ""Alabama’s rural landowners and forestry sector too often can’t access sawmills and other wood processing infrastructure which increase property values and advance the mission of forestry conservation. I am proud to join Rep. Newhouse in introducing the SAWMILL Act, which will bring critical infrastructure to rural communities, expand access to new markets for rural landowners, and encourage conservation of the environment."" TPEP offers low-interest, long-term loans for timber and wood processing companies to invest in their facilities and equipment, with a particular emphasis on supporting timber mills processing hazardous fuels. This simultaneously boosts rural economies and reduces wildfire risk on public lands. The legislation is supported by the American Wood Council, American Forests, and The Lumber Manufactory (TLM). Jackson Morrill, President and CEO, American Wood Council, said, ""Our nation’s sawmills and wood processing facilities directly employ nearly half a million Americans, with individual mills serving as economic drivers in their communities. When a mill closes, the whole community suffers, and some unfortunately never recover. We applaud Representatives Newhouse and Sewell for introducing the SAWMILL Act to help protect U.S. wood product manufacturing and rural jobs."" Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer, American Forests, said, ""For generations, sawmills have been economic engines of rural America. Now, the SAWMILL Act would support sawmills that are stepping up to restore our forests. Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Newhouse and Sewell, the SAWMILL Act is a win-win-win — saving tax-payer dollars, promoting healthy forests, and helping rural communities thrive."" Michael Grasso, CEO, TLM, said, ""The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) applauds Congressman Newhouse and Congresswoman Sewell for introducing The SAWMILL Act in the House of Representatives, which will permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Loan Guarantee Program (TPEP). TPEP is a vital tool to promote the revitalization of our country’s sawmill and wood processing infrastructure, while also supporting healthy forest management, wildland fire mitigation, and stimulating economic opportunity across rural America. In addition, the SAWMILL Act directly addresses the objectives outlined in the Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production."" Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-fight-newborn-opioid-dependency,Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Fight Newborn Opioid Dependency,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Maddie's Infant Recovery and Children's Legislative Emergency (MIRACLE) Act alongside Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) to study Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). ""As the opioid and drug epidemics spread through communities in Central Washington, and across the country, there is very little being done to address its impacts on the next generation,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""NAS is a critical condition that puts newborns in a situation they had no control over, with serious, lasting implications threatening their health early on. This legislation directs federal resources to expand our understanding of NAS, close gaps in research and data on how it affects babies, and ensure we are equipped to treat this condition through our federal healthcare system."" Rep. Baumgartner said, ""As a father and a member of the Spokane community, I have seen the courage and hope that Maddie’s Place brings to families facing the unimaginable challenge of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Every child in Eastern Washington deserves a healthy start, yet too many newborns—through no fault of their own—begin life in pain because of the opioid crisis. The MIRACLE Act stands for compassion and common sense. It gives us essential data to better care for newborns in need, helps states like ours offer proven recovery nursery solutions, and empowers caregivers at Maddie’s Place and across America who provide grace and healing every day. I’m proud to champion real progress for families in Eastern Washington and help every child begin life with hope."" Rep. Schrier said, ""As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the discomfort of newborns withdrawing from narcotic exposure, and as the incidence of NAS rises, we need more research into long term impacts. Children’s well-being has always been one of my top priorities. I’m proud to work with my Washington delegation colleague, Congressman Newhouse, to introduce this legislation that will further our understanding of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and potential treatment options for impacted newborns."" This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Specifically, it requires the Secretary to: Conduct a national study on NAS prevalence, health outcomes, and service gaps. Identify barriers to data collection and accuracy at the state level. Evaluate care models at Pediatric Transitional Care Facilities (PTCFs), which provide wraparound care for infants and parents at far less Medicaid cost than the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The MIRACLE Act will provide Congress and all 50 states with the data needed to shape evidence-based and cost-effective policies that address NAS nationwide. The legislation is supported by Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit recovery nursery in Spokane, Washington, that provides free-standing, nurturing care for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure. Shaun Cross, President, Maddie's Place, said, ""Within our national drug crisis is a much more sinister, silent crisis: the tens of thousands of substance exposed infants born each year in our communities. The MIRACLE Act will give these infants and their struggling parents a voice by seeking the data we don't have and raising awareness about the success stories coming out of a handful of clinics like Maddie's Place."" Background Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects newborns who receive opioids or addictive substances through the placenta during pregnancy. Babies have withdrawal symptoms during their first few days of life and typically remain in a neonatal intensive care unit until their body rids itself of the drug or substance in their systems. These symptoms can persist for months and cause lasting effects and risks as children grow. The incidence of NAS has increased substantially in the past decade, and this has coincided with the reported increase in use of opiates among pregnant mothers, which includes those that are prescribed and other forms such as fentanyl. The legislation is supported by Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit recovery nursery in Spokane, Washington, that provides free-standing, nurturing care for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-votes-yes-release-epstein-files-calls-oversight-hearing-democrat,Baumgartner Votes Yes to Release Epstein Files; Calls for Oversight Hearing into Democrat Coordination with Epstein,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"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. At the same time, I am deeply concerned by reports that a Democrat member of Congress was communicating with Jeffrey Epstein in real time during a committee hearing to coordinate questioning. This is a five‑alarm ethics fire that cannot be ignored. Congress must launch a full investigation into this serious breach of public trust. Justice and integrity in our institutions are not negotiable.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-release-epstein-files,Newhouse Votes to Release Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, by the House of Representatives with a vote of 427-1 ""While Jeffrey Epstein is dead, the fact remains that his victims were trafficked, their innocence exploited, and they deserve justice for the heinous crimes committed by this horrible man,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""The entirety of the debate around releasing the Epstein files has been centered around one thing, transparency. My top priority in releasing these files has been protecting the victims, especially the minors, as well as ensuring any unsealed information does not interfere with active pursuits of justice. I encourage our counterparts in the Senate to prioritize the sensitivity of the victims’ privacy while we work to show Americans that these disgusting crimes will not be kept in the dark."" This legislation requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish, in a searchable and downloadable format, all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. This includes materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs and travel records, and individuals named or referenced in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. DOJ is permitted to withhold certain information such as the personal information of victims and materials that would jeopardize an active federal investigation. Additionally, not later than 15 days after the required publication, DOJ must report to Congress all categories of information released and withheld, a summary of any redactions made, and a list of all government officials and politically exposed individuals named or referenced in the published materials. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee have publicly released approximately 65,000 pages of records to date. This includes documents from the Department of Justice, the Epstein Estate, former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr’s deposition transcript, and former U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta’s transcript. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/11/18/baumgartner-votes-yes-to-release-epstein-files-calls-for-oversight-hearing-into-democrat-coordination-with-epstein/,Baumgartner Votes Yes to Release Epstein Files; Calls for Oversight Hearing into Democrat Coordination with Epstein,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"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. At the same time, I am deeply concerned by reports that a Democrat member of Congress was communicating with Jeffrey Epstein in real time during a committee hearing to coordinate questioning. This is a five‑alarm ethics fire that cannot be ignored. Congress must launch a full investigation into this serious breach of public trust. Justice and integrity in our institutions are not negotiable.”",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:22Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-now-its-time-get-government-working-again-and-put-everyday,Baumgartner: Now It's Time To Get Government Working Again And Put Everyday Americans First,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the final passage of the continuing resolution (CR) ending the government shutdown. ""The Democrat’s decision to shut down the government was a monumental waste of time that hurt a lot of people. I’m relieved that this pointless DC drama is finally over and families across Eastern Washington can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Instead of playing political games that threatened paychecks, benefits for the most needy, and the livelihoods of hardworking Americans, we should have focused on practical solutions from the beginning. I thank the Democrat Senators who were willing to work across the aisle to end this needless shutdown and put country over party. Now it’s time to get government working again and put everyday Americans first."" Congressman Baumgartner voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through January 30, 2026. The measure includes full-year funding for Agriculture, FDA, Military Construction, and Legislative Branch Appropriations—delivering key victories for Eastern Washington. His vote secures funding for the following local projects under the Agriculture Appropriations Bill: $1,000,000 to support Washington State University’s ARS Building Furnishings Project $2,000,000 for NEW Health Programs Association’s Chewelah Expansion and Regional Workforce Development Center $1,000,000 for TriState Health’s Family Medicine Residency Project Other victories for Washington state in the Military Construction (MilCon) Appropriations Bill include:",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-end-government-shutdown-secures-major-funding,"Newhouse Votes to End Government Shutdown, Secures Major Funding",2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Senate package to end the government shutdown out of the House of Representatives. ""After an unnecessary 43-day shutdown, our government is finally re-opened, and we are making progress on full year funding bills,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""In addition to reopening the federal government, this package includes three of our full year funding bills that my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee worked hard to pass this summer. This legislation will directly benefit Central Washington, with over eight million dollars in funding to important projects in our area that I secured as a member of the Committee."" Newhouse added, ""I thank the Senators who worked together to end this record-long shutdown and for showing the country that we can, and should, work together for the sake of those we represent."" On Monday, the U.S. Senate reached an agreement to end the federal government shutdown. The deal includes an amended continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until January 30, 2026, a package of three of the annual government funding appropriations bills, and a commitment by Senate Leader John Thune to hold a vote on extending the COVID-era Obamacare enhanced premium tax credits. The three appropriations bills included in the package was the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, and the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. Rep. Newhouse secured funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for projects across Washington's Fourth District. Astria Toppenish Hospital Amount: $1,512,000 Project: Emergency Department Modernization Project The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year. Brian Gibbons, President and CEO, Astria Health, said, ""We are deeply grateful that $1.5 million has been designated in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations bill to support Astria Toppenish Hospital’s Emergency Department Enhancement Project. This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to sustaining access to essential healthcare services for the Yakima Valley and surrounding communities."" Cathy Bambrick, CEO, Astria Toppenish Hospital, said, ""Modernizing and expanding our Emergency Department is vital to preserving high-quality, compassionate care for the underserved populations we serve. This funding will allow us to create a safer, more efficient environment for patients and staff while strengthening our ability to meet the community’s growing healthcare needs."" Coulee Medical Center Amount: $3,020,475 Project: Relief for the Rural Health Workforce Project This project will ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently. Kelly Hughes, CEO, Coulee Medical Center, said, ""Coulee Medical Center is grateful to Congressman Newhouse for his steadfast efforts to secure federal funding for our Relief for the Rural Health Workforce Project” said Kelly Hughes, CEO of Coulee Medical Center. “This investment will enable Coulee Medical Center to move forward with the construction of safe and accessible accommodations for dedicated healthcare professionals to utilize while they serve our community. We appreciate the Congressman’s partnership on this vital project."" Skyline Health Center Amount: $3,000,000 Project: Advancing Rural Surgical Services Project As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services. Matt Kollman, CEO, Skyline Health, said, ""Rural communities like White Salmon need reliable, safe, and high-quality healthcare to survive. Choosing to live in a rural community shouldn't condemn you to second-class care. Skyline has enjoyed a great partnership with our federal delegation, including Rep. Newhouse, that has helped Skyline continue to provide high quality care and to grow to provide for the future needs of our friends and neighbors. Rep Newhouse's leadership on behalf of Skyline will have generational impact. Rep. Newhouse has always been willing to listen to our hospital and engage with us on the important and complex topic of healthcare. Skyline thanks Rep. Newhouse for his sponsorship of our project in the U.S. House of Representatives."" Toppenish Police Department Amount: $500,000 Project: Permanent Police Precinct Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The city has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. Elpidia Saavedra, Mayor of the City of Toppenish, said, ""The City of Toppenish extends its heartfelt appreciation to Congressman Dan Newhouse for his continued support and advocacy. As a predominantly Latino, agricultural, and low-income community, Toppenish faces unique challenges that make federal investment especially impactful. The inclusion of funding for the Toppenish Police Department Project represents a meaningful investment in the safety, stability, and well-being of our residents. We look forward to continued partnership with Congressman Newhouse in future appropriations that will further benefit our residents and advance priority projects within our city."" The funding extension includes: Full backpay for federal employees who were furloughed during the shutdown. A prohibition on any reduction in force (RIF) of federal employees through January 30, 2026, and nullifies any RIF proposed, noticed, initiated, executed, implemented, or otherwise taken by an Executive Agency on or after October 1, 2025. Reimbursements to states that carried out federal programs during the shutdown to prevent a reduction in service. A waiver for the pay cap limitation for wildland fire personnel for the duration of the CR and provides the funding at a rate as necessary to continue to fight wildfires. Additional funding to support staffing and operating facilities for tribal health. Funding for Farm Bill programs until September 30, 2026. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/11/12/baumgartner-now-its-time-get-government-working-again-and-put-everyday/,Baumgartner: Now It’s Time To Get Government Working Again And Put Everyday Americans First,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the final passage of the continuing resolution (CR) ending the government shutdown. “The Democrat’s decision to shut down the government was a monumental waste of time that hurt a lot of people. I’m relieved that this pointless DC drama is finally over and families across Eastern Washington can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Instead of playing political games that threatened paychecks, benefits for the most needy, and the livelihoods of hardworking Americans, we should have focused on practical solutions from the beginning. I thank the Democrat Senators who were willing to work across the aisle to end this needless shutdown and put country over party. Now it’s time to get government working again and put everyday Americans first.” Congressman Baumgartner voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through January 30, 2026. The measure includes full-year funding for Agriculture, FDA, Military Construction, and Legislative Branch Appropriations—delivering key victories for Eastern Washington. His vote secures funding for the following local projects under the Agriculture Appropriations Bill: $1,000,000 to support Washington State University’s ARS Building Furnishings Project $2,000,000 for NEW Health Programs Association’s Chewelah Expansion and Regional Workforce Development Center $1,000,000 for TriState Health’s Family Medicine Residency Project Other victories for Washington state in the Military Construction (MilCon) Appropriations Bill include:",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:22Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-firing-jon-wyss-fsa,Newhouse Statement on Firing of Jon Wyss from FSA,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the firing of Jon Wyss, State Executive Director, Washington State Farm Service Agency (FSA). ""Jon Wyss has dedicated his career to helping farmers in Washington state, and he has been an asset in making sure we are a leader in the U.S. agriculture industry,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""His experience, relationships with producers, and firsthand understanding of the challenges in farm country give producers an ally in the federal government. Jon’s firing is a mistake and a disservice to farmers who need a strong leader at the Farm Service Agency, especially now, when times are tough. I have expressed my concerns with this decision to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the White House, because Jon was a true advocate for farmers in Washington state."" Wyss was reappointed to serve as the State Executive Director of the FSA in May of 2025. He was first appointed in 2019 during the first Trump Administration and was re-appointed in 2022 during the Biden Administration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-bill-puts-coaches-budget-salary-cap-tied-tuition-restoring-sanity,"Baumgartner Bill Puts Coaches on a Budget – Salary Cap Tied to Tuition, Restoring Sanity to College Athletics",2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) introduced H.R. 5812, the COACH Act—a targeted solution to soaring coaching compensation and buyouts across college athletics. “Schools that publish contract data for their head coaches have amassed $1.7 billion in potential buyout liabilities,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This season alone, colleges are on pace to pay over $169 million for coaches not to coach. This amount equals a full year of operating revenue at a top-tier Division I program—enough to rank as a top-13 athletics department by revenue. My bill puts an end to that. College sports are highly subsidized public goods, not a professional enterprise.” “Even in professional sports, cost controls exist: salary caps operate within narrow antitrust frameworks recognized by Congress and the courts.” Baumgartner continued, “The COACH Act is a simple guardrail to bring sanity back to the financial management of college sports—it creates a narrow, lawful path for schools to set reasonable limits on coaches' pay. It’s time for Congress to step in to restore sanity to college sports.” What the bill does: Wisdom of a Bygone Era: In the 1990s, the NCAA tried cost-saving, competitive-balance limits on coaching pay, but courts struck them down—see Law v. NCAA (10th Cir. 1998), which permanently enjoined the ‘restricted-earnings coach’ cap. Since then, the arms race has only accelerated, and in roughly 40 states the highest-paid public employee is a college coach. The Mechanics: Amends Title IV of the Higher Education Act and provides a limited, targeted antitrust exemption so schools can collectively set a reasonable compensation ceiling for athletics department employees. The Cap: As a condition of participating in federal student-aid programs, institutions agree to limit total compensation of any athletics department employee to 10× the institution’s tuition and required fees for a first-time, full-time undergraduate for the most recent year (as reported under §487(g) of the HEA). No loopholes: “Total compensation” is defined broadly to include salary, bonuses, deferred compensation, severance/buyouts, in-kind support, housing/mortgage or debt relief, personal-services contracts, and other remuneration—from the university or any affiliated or controlled booster organization. Why it matters: A single season’s buyout can mirror a full year of operating revenue at many programs and rival top-tier budgets. Instead of paying coaches not to coach, resources should be used to control costs, limit financial liabilities of federally subsidized programs, and preserve scholarships and Olympic sports. By the Numbers: $1.7B in potential head-coach buyouts at schools that publish contract data – per USA Today tracking. This season’s “pay-not-to-coach” total ≈ Top-13 athletics department by revenue.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/10/27/baumgartner-bill-puts-coaches-on-a-budget-salary-cap-tied-to-tuition-restoring-sanity-to-college-athletics/,"Baumgartner Bill Puts Coaches on a Budget – Salary Cap Tied to Tuition, Restoring Sanity to College Athletics",2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) introduced H.R. 5812, the COACH Act—a targeted solution to soaring coaching compensation and buyouts across college athletics. “Schools that publish contract data for their head coaches have amassed $1.7 billion in potential buyout liabilities,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This season alone, colleges are on pace to pay over $169 million for coaches not to coach. This amount equals a full year of operating revenue at a top-tier Division I program—enough to rank as a top-13 athletics department by revenue. My bill puts an end to that. College sports are highly subsidized public goods, not a professional enterprise.” “Even in professional sports, cost controls exist: salary caps operate within narrow antitrust frameworks recognized by Congress and the courts.” Baumgartner continued, “The COACH Act is a simple guardrail to bring sanity back to the financial management of college sports—it creates a narrow, lawful path for schools to set reasonable limits on coaches’ pay. It’s time for Congress to step in to restore sanity to college sports.” What the bill does: Wisdom of a Bygone Era: In the 1990s, the NCAA tried cost-saving, competitive-balance limits on coaching pay, but courts struck them down—see Law v. NCAA (10th Cir. 1998), which permanently enjoined the ‘restricted-earnings coach’ cap. Since then, the arms race has only accelerated, and in roughly 40 states the highest-paid public employee is a college coach. The Mechanics: Amends Title IV of the Higher Education Act and provides a limited, targeted antitrust exemption so schools can collectively set a reasonable compensation ceiling for athletics department employees. The Cap: As a condition of participating in federal student-aid programs, institutions agree to limit total compensation of any athletics department employee to 10× the institution’s tuition and required fees for a first-time, full-time undergraduate for the most recent year (as reported under §487(g) of the HEA). No loopholes: “Total compensation” is defined broadly to include salary, bonuses, deferred compensation, severance/buyouts, in-kind support, housing/mortgage or debt relief, personal-services contracts, and other remuneration—from the university or any affiliated or controlled booster organization. Why it matters: A single season’s buyout can mirror a full year of operating revenue at many programs and rival top-tier budgets. Instead of paying coaches not to coach, resources should be used to control costs, limit financial liabilities of federally subsidized programs, and preserve scholarships and Olympic sports. By the Numbers: $1.7B in potential head-coach buyouts at schools that publish contract data – per USA Today tracking. This season’s “pay-not-to-coach” total ≈ Top-13 athletics department by revenue.",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-congratulates-hanford-start-waste-treatment-plant,Newhouse Congratulates Hanford on Start of Waste Treatment Plant,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the start of the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). ""Today is a historic milestone in the Hanford cleanup over two decades in the making,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Congratulations to everyone at Hanford who has worked to bring the DFLAW project online and for your unwavering commitment to the cleanup mission. I have been a proud ally to Hanford through my role on the House Appropriations Committee, and I will continue working to make sure the federal government plays its part in supporting the cleanup effort."" Earlier today, Bechtel announced the WTP has successfully converted the first batch of radioactive and chemical waste into glass through the vitrification process. The WTP will process and stabilize much of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored in underground tanks at the Hanford site. When fully operational, the plant will process an average of 5,300 gallons of tank waste per day. Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water responsible for funding the Department of Energy and the Hanford cleanup. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-october-7-anniversary-and-egypt-peace-talks,Baumgartner Issues Statement on October 7 Anniversary and Egypt Peace Talks,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack and the peace talks underway in Egypt. “Two years ago, Hamas carried out the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We remember the innocent lives taken, stand with survivors and families, and continue to pray for the safe return of every hostage,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Terror must be condemned without equivocation, and antisemitism must be confronted wherever it appears.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/not-sale-baumgartner-introduces-bill-stop-hedge-funds-carving-college-sports,Not for Sale: Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Stop Hedge Funds from Carving Up College Sports,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), chair of the bipartisan College Sports Caucus and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Education and the Workforce Committee, introduced H.R.5693, the PROTECT Act, to prevent private equity from taking control of college sports or leveraging future athletics revenues and other assets as collateral for private and foreign investors. The announcement follows reports that a major conference is considering a multi-billion-dollar private equity deal tied to a new commercial arm and extended grant-of-rights. “College sports serve an educational mission—and they’re sustained by billions in annual public subsidies and tax advantages,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Assets under the control of universities should be managed in service of that public, educational mission—not carved up as a new asset class for private equity, hedge funds, or foreign sovereign wealth funds. My bill draws a bright line: schools and conferences shouldn’t sell, pledge, or outsource control of their core athletics revenues or operations to outside financiers. If we want to keep opportunities broad for student-athletes—especially women’s and Olympic sports—we can’t mortgage their future to the highest bidder.” “Colleges aren’t pro franchises,” Baumgartner added. “They’re stewards of a public trust. The money always comes with strings—and the cuts hit the sports and opportunities that matter most in our communities.” Key Provisions of the PROTECT Act: Amends the Title IV Program Participation Agreement (PPA) under the Higher Education Act to prohibit agreements with private equity, hedge funds, or foreign sovereign wealth funds that: Share or pledge core athletics revenues or media rights; Grant governance or control over athletics operations; “Park” rights in joint ventures or real estate vehicles that dilute institutional control; Or otherwise allow financiers to direct or operate college sports programs. Applies to conferences and affiliated entities, including media and marketing arms and NIL clearinghouses, when they function as athletics affiliates. Closes loopholes that could allow off-balance-sheet maneuvers designed to circumvent these restrictions. Exemptions Include: Gifts and endowments from donors; Ordinary fee-for-service vendor contracts (ticketing, security, travel, production) that do not leverage the assets of college sports programs; Routine marketing sponsorships and advertising arrangements; Traditional bank loans and public bonds for facilities or operations, provided they do not pledge core media rights or grant control to prohibited entities. Media-driven realignment, rising costs, and the transition to athlete revenue-sharing are pressuring budgets across Division I. Short-term cash infusions tied to outside equity stakes and revenue pledges risk core athletics assets and narrows opportunities for non-revenue sports.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-peace-two-year-anniversary-october-7-attacks,Newhouse Calls for Peace on Two-Year Anniversary of October 7 Attacks,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the two-year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. ""Two years ago, Hamas committed the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust. More than 1,200 Israelis were murdered, and over 250 taken hostage. Today, Hamas still has 48 hostages in Gaza with 20 of them presumed to be alive. President Trump is working to secure a ceasefire, release all hostages who remain in captivity, and put an end to the death and destruction we have witnessed during this war. I implore the administration to ensure Hamas accepts the full peace deal, and that they are never again capable of carrying out such an atrocious act of violence."" Background On October 7, 2023, Hamas murdered more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children, including 46 Americans, in the most brutal terrorist attack in Israel’s history. Alongside these killings, Hamas took 254 hostages, among them 12 Americans. To this day, 48 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, including the remains of two American citizens. The Trump Administration is actively working to reach a peace agreement. Those negotiations are ongoing as of today. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/10/07/baumgartner-issues-statement-october-7-anniversary-and-egypt-peace-talks/,Baumgartner Issues Statement on October 7 Anniversary and Egypt Peace Talks,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack and the peace talks underway in Egypt. “Two years ago, Hamas carried out the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We remember the innocent lives taken, stand with survivors and families, and continue to pray for the safe return of every hostage,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Terror must be condemned without equivocation, and antisemitism must be confronted wherever it appears.”",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/10/07/not-sale-baumgartner-introduces-bill-stop-hedge-funds-carving-college-sports/,Not for Sale: Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Stop Hedge Funds from Carving Up College Sports,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"| Press Releases WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), chair of the bipartisan College Sports Caucus and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Education and the Workforce Committee, introduced H.R.5693, the PROTECT Act, to prevent private equity from taking control of college sports or leveraging future athletics revenues and other assets as collateral for private and foreign investors. The announcement follows reports that a major conference is considering a multi-billion-dollar private equity deal tied to a new commercial arm and extended grant-of-rights. “College sports serve an educational mission—and they’re sustained by billions in annual public subsidies and tax advantages,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Assets under the control of universities should be managed in service of that public, educational mission—not carved up as a new asset class for private equity, hedge funds, or foreign sovereign wealth funds. My bill draws a bright line: schools and conferences shouldn’t sell, pledge, or outsource control of their core athletics revenues or operations to outside financiers. If we want to keep opportunities broad for student-athletes—especially women’s and Olympic sports—we can’t mortgage their future to the highest bidder.” “Colleges aren’t pro franchises,” Baumgartner added. “They’re stewards of a public trust. The money always comes with strings—and the cuts hit the sports and opportunities that matter most in our communities.” Key Provisions of the PROTECT Act: Amends the Title IV Program Participation Agreement (PPA) under the Higher Education Act to prohibit agreements with private equity, hedge funds, or foreign sovereign wealth funds that: Share or pledge core athletics revenues or media rights; Grant governance or control over athletics operations; “Park” rights in joint ventures or real estate vehicles that dilute institutional control; Or otherwise allow financiers to direct or operate college sports programs. Applies to conferences and affiliated entities, including media and marketing arms and NIL clearinghouses, when they function as athletics affiliates. Closes loopholes that could allow off-balance-sheet maneuvers designed to circumvent these restrictions. Exemptions Include: Gifts and endowments from donors; Ordinary fee-for-service vendor contracts (ticketing, security, travel, production) that do not leverage the assets of college sports programs; Routine marketing sponsorships and advertising arrangements; Traditional bank loans and public bonds for facilities or operations, provided they do not pledge core media rights or grant control to prohibited entities. Media-driven realignment, rising costs, and the transition to athlete revenue-sharing are pressuring budgets across Division I. Short-term cash infusions tied to outside equity stakes and revenue pledges risk core athletics assets and narrows opportunities for non-revenue sports.",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-trump-administration-lowering-farm-guestworker-wages,Newhouse Applauds Trump Administration for Lowering Farm Guestworker Wages,2025-10-02,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Labor's announcement of new methodology for determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) used to set wages paid by employers utilizing the H-2A program. ""Farmers and ranchers in Central Washington have been at a disadvantage for years due to high wages in the H-2A program,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""The new AEWR methodology from the Department of Labor will allow employers to pay workers at a competitive rate that is commensurate with their work and experience. This will save employers who utilize the H-2A program billions of dollars per year in costs and deliver much needed relief to producers who have been strained by workforce costs."" ""I want to thank my former House colleague and current Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer for her decisive action."" Historically, the AEWR has been determined by the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Labor Survey. The Department of Labor's new methodology will use wage data reported for each U.S. state and territory by the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. For the vast majority of H-2A job opportunities, the Department will use OEWS survey data to establish AEWRs applicable to five Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes combining the most common field and livestock worker occupations previously measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Labor Survey (FLS), which covered six SOC codes. These AEWRs will be divided into two skill-based categories to account for wage differentials arising from qualifications contained in the employer's job offer. For all other occupations, the Department will use the OEWS survey to determine two skill-based AEWRs for each SOC code to reflect wage differentials. The threshold determination for assigning the SOC code(s) and applicable skill-based AEWR will be based on the duties performed for the majority of the workdays during the contract period and qualifications contained in the employer's job offer. Finally, to address differences in compensation between most U.S. workers and H-2A workers who receive employer-provided housing at no cost, the Department will implement a standard adjustment factor to the AEWR to account for this non-monetary compensation that employers will apply when compensating H-2A workers under temporary agricultural labor certifications. While the effective date of the new methodology is October 2, 2025, active contracts will not be changed to reflect the new rates. The Department of Labor projects this new methodology will save employers up to $2.46 billion annually. Please note that attempts to reach the Department of Labor, or other federal agencies, for more information may be impacted by the government shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-withhold-pay-until-us-service-members-receive-their-salaries,Baumgartner to Withhold Pay Until U.S. Service Members Receive Their Salaries,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) formally notified Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor of his decision to defer his congressional salary until members of the United States Armed Forces are paid. This action comes in response to the government shutdown that began earlier this morning, which will delay pay for active-duty service members if appropriations are not immediately restored. “It’s disappointing that Democrats have taken the reckless step of shutting down the Government. Eastern Washington is home to Fairchild Air Force Base and countless military families who make sacrifices for this nation every day,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It is unacceptable that the men and women who wear the uniform and stand guard for our freedoms should ever have their pay withheld because of dysfunction in Washington DC. I will continue working to restore government funding responsibly and ensure our service members receive the support they have earned.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-baumgartner-democrat-led-government-shutdown,Congressman Baumgartner on Democrat-Led Government Shutdown,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement regarding the government shutdown. ""Our nation is over $37.5 trillion in debt. Taxpayers deserve a government that spends their money wisely,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “While negotiations continue on spending bills, I supported continuing government funding at Biden-era spending levels to keep the government open through November 21st. Sadly, Democrats are opting to shut down the government at their own spending levels over unrealistic demands of expanding Obamacare and free healthcare for illegal immigrants.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/10/01/baumgartner-withhold-pay-until-us-service-members-receive-their-salaries/,Baumgartner to Withhold Pay Until U.S. Service Members Receive Their Salaries,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"| Press Releases WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) formally notified Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor of his decision to defer his congressional salary until members of the United States Armed Forces are paid. This action comes in response to the government shutdown that began earlier this morning, which will delay pay for active-duty service members if appropriations are not immediately restored. “It’s disappointing that Democrats have taken the reckless step of shutting down the Government. Eastern Washington is home to Fairchild Air Force Base and countless military families who make sacrifices for this nation every day,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It is unacceptable that the men and women who wear the uniform and stand guard for our freedoms should ever have their pay withheld because of dysfunction in Washington DC. I will continue working to restore government funding responsibly and ensure our service members receive the support they have earned.”",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/10/01/congressman-baumgartner-democrat-led-government-shutdown/,Congressman Baumgartner on Democrat-Led Government Shutdown,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement regarding the government shutdown. “Our nation is over $37.5 trillion in debt. Taxpayers deserve a government that spends their money wisely,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “While negotiations continue on spending bills, I supported continuing government funding at Biden-era spending levels to keep the government open through November 21st. Sadly, Democrats are opting to shut down the government at their own spending levels over unrealistic demands of expanding Obamacare and free healthcare for illegal immigrants.”",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-celebrates-75-years-impact-aid-house-resolution,Newhouse Celebrates 75 Years of Impact Aid with House Resolution,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing the 75th anniversary of Impact Aid and its success helping school districts across the country who have a loss of revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property. ""Impact Aid brings much needed financial assistance to communities across the country who have a smaller property tax base due to large federal properties,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Here in Central Washington, the program serves our rural schools on tribal lands with resources that support school operations, staffing, and materials used by students every day. This resolution recognizes 75 years of Impact Aid’s contributions to helping students access a quality education and prepare for a successful career after graduation."" Rep. Courtney said, ""Eastern Connecticut is home to more servicemembers than anywhere else in the state, and that means that Impact Aid funding is critical to the success of our local schools with a large proportion of military families. This past year, over 2,200 children in Groton and Ledyard Public Schools benefitted from this funding and received a high-quality public education. I’m glad to introduce this resolution to recognize the importance of the Impact Aid Program, 75 years after it was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman."" Cherise Imai, Executive Director, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, said, ""For 75 years, Impact Aid has made a difference in the lives of students and communities across the country, fulfilling the federal government’s responsibility to those most directly affected by its presence. This program is more than just funding—it’s a lifeline for schools serving military-connected children, students living on tribal lands, and all those in federally impacted areas. We are grateful to Congress for honoring this legacy with a bipartisan resolution and for its ongoing support of Impact Aid. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to working together to protect and strengthen the program for generations to come."" The Impact Aid Program was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1950. The program is the oldest K-12 federal education program. Nationwide, approximately 1,200 school districts enrolling more than 10 million students benefit from Impact Aid funding. Children of our men and women in uniform, children residing on Indian lands, children in low-rent public housing, and children of civilians working or living on federal land are considered ""federally connected children"" who are served by local educational agencies eligible for Impact Aid. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-cms-ensure-states-democrat-governors-are-treated-fairly,Newhouse Calls on CMS to Ensure States with Democrat Governors are Treated Fairly in Roll Out of Rural Hospital Fund,2025-09-23,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz advocating for fair distribution of funds from the Rural Health Transformation Fund to states with Democrat Governors. The Rural Transformation Fund is the largest ever investment in rural hospitals and was signed into law as part of the H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cut. Newhouse was joined by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Gabe Evans (R-CO) in penning the letter. ""As Republican Members of Congress from states with a Democrat Governor, we believe it is imperative that the program be implemented fairly so that funding is allocated specifically to rural healthcare providers, rather than diverted to urban centers that do not face the same challenges,""the Members wrote. ""During the approval process of state applications, we urge HHS and CMS to ensure funds are distributed to rural communities with the greatest need, making rural America healthy again regardless of political affiliation."" The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was established by H.R. 1 and provides $10 billion per year over five years to empower states to strengthen and improve health care access in rural communities across America. 50 percent to be distributed equally amongst all approved states. 50 percent will be allocated by CMS based on a variety of factors including rural population, the proportion of rural health facilities in the state, the situation of certain hospitals in the state, and other factors to be specified by CMS in the NOFO. According to CMS, states must use RHT Program funds for three or more of the approved uses of funds: Promoting evidence-based, measurable interventions to improve prevention and chronic disease management. Providing payments to health care providers for the provision of health care items or services, as specified by the Administrator. Promoting consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Providing training and technical assistance for the development and adoption of technology-enabled solutions that improve care delivery in rural hospitals, including remote monitoring, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies. Recruiting and retaining clinical workforce talent to rural areas, with commitments to serve rural communities for a minimum of 5 years. Providing technical assistance, software, and hardware for significant information technology advances designed to improve efficiency, enhance cybersecurity capability development, and improve patient health outcomes. Assisting rural communities to right size their health care delivery systems by identifying needed preventative, ambulatory, pre-hospital, emergency, acute inpatient care, outpatient care, and post-acute care service lines. Supporting access to opioid use disorder treatment services (as defined in section 1861(jjj) (1)), other substance use disorder treatment services, and mental health services. Developing projects that support innovative models of care that include value-based care arrangements and alternative payment models, as appropriate. Additional uses designed to promote sustainable access to high quality rural health care services, as determined by the Administrator. See the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-introduces-bill-codify-trump-executive-order-preventing-patchwork,Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Codify Trump Executive Order; Preventing Patchwork of State AI Regulations,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) introduced H.R.5388, The American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act, to establish a clear, national framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development by preempting conflicting state-level regulations and codifying President Trump’s executive order on Artificial Intelligence. The bill creates a five-year moratorium on new state and local AI mandates that would fragment interstate commerce and stifle innovation, while preserving basic consumer protection laws, and Congress’s role in setting durable national policy. “Artificial intelligence is not a moon shot or a Manhattan Project,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This is the dawn of a new industrial revolution, and like the last one, America will win if we trust free people to innovate without asking the government for permission. Washington state has every advantage to lead—from Spokane’s data centers to WSU’s AgAID Institute, and the University of Washington’s AI research. But we will lose that edge if we let California or Brussels write the rules for us.” Baumgartner’s bill also codifies Trump’s executive order on AI, reversing the Biden Administration’s heavy-handed approach that treated AI like a government-run monopoly instead of a broad-based technological revolution. Click here for a fact sheet. Click here for a bill text.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-bipartisan-house-resolution-honoring-charlie-kirk,Newhouse Votes for Bipartisan House Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H. Res. 719 honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk by the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 310-58-38. ""Peaceful debate drives our political system, and Charlie Kirk embodied that sentiment, encouraging young people to become involved in our political process. This bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that politically motivated violence has no place in our society. The Kirk family remains in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to mourn the loss of Charlie,"" said Rep. Newhouse. See full resolution text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-prevent-government-shutdown,Newhouse Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 by the House of Representatives with a vote of 217-212. ""We have a responsibility to fund the federal government, and this clean continuing resolution does just that while allowing us to finish negotiating the appropriations bills that rein in federal spending,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Senate Democrats are threatening to shut down the government, furlough federal employees, stop essential services, and prevent servicemembers from being paid rather than pass a short-term extension of current fiscal year funding. Not one American benefits from a federal government shutdown; they must act to keep the government open.” Funding for the federal government is set to expire on September 30, 2025. This short-term, clean continuing resolution prevents harmful disruptions to national security, and the vital programs constituents rely on. It ensures Americans are not needlessly punished and allows the House and Senate to move forward with FY26 appropriations negotiations in regular order. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/09/19/baumgartner-introduces-bill-codify-trump-executive-order-preventing-patchwork/,Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Codify Trump Executive Order; Preventing Patchwork of State AI Regulations,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"| Press Releases WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) introduced H.R.5388, The American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act, to establish a clear, national framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development by preempting conflicting state-level regulations and codifying President Trump’s executive order on Artificial Intelligence. The bill creates a five-year moratorium on new state and local AI mandates that would fragment interstate commerce and stifle innovation, while preserving basic consumer protection laws, and Congress’s role in setting durable national policy. “Artificial intelligence is not a moon shot or a Manhattan Project,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This is the dawn of a new industrial revolution, and like the last one, America will win if we trust free people to innovate without asking the government for permission. Washington state has every advantage to lead—from Spokane’s data centers to WSU’s AgAID Institute, and the University of Washington’s AI research. But we will lose that edge if we let California or Brussels write the rules for us.” Baumgartner’s bill also codifies Trump’s executive order on AI, reversing the Biden Administration’s heavy-handed approach that treated AI like a government-run monopoly instead of a broad-based technological revolution. Click here for a fact sheet. Click here for a bill text.",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:31:09Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-commends-doe-finalizing-approval-hanford-waste-treatment-plant,Newhouse Commends DOE for Finalizing Approval of Hanford Waste Treatment Plant Operations,2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approving the start of operations of the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) on October 15, 2025. ""Despite unsubstantiated rumors and speculation, this morning’s signed approval from DOE is confirmation of what Secretary Wright told me multiple times over the past 10 days, that there will be no delays to the start of the Waste Treatment Plant. I have consistently championed funding for the DFLAW program, and I look forward to seeing Hanford achieve this milestone and enter its next chapter in the cleanup mission,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Yesterday evening, Deputy Secretary James Danly signed the Critical Decision 4 (CD-4), which is the final approval needed to start the operations of the WTP at Hanford and begin vitrification of low-activity waste. On Tuesday, September 9, DOE Secretary Chris Wright issued a statement countering inaccurate news reports that the WTP would be delayed past the October 15 deadline as required by the Washington v. Wright consent decree. To ease concerns of stakeholders and residents in the Tri-Cities, Rep. Newhouse requested Secretary Wright issue a new statement reaffirming that there would be no delays in operation, which the Secretary did on Thursday, September 11. Representative Newhouse has supported the Hanford mission, including the DFLAW program, for his entire tenure in Congress and will continue to provide the resources needed to continue the cleanup efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-resolution-honoring-gold-star-families,Newhouse Leads Resolution Honoring Gold Star Families,2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives designating the week of September 21-27, 2025, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. ""Gold Star Families are living reminders of the ultimate sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""To honor these families who lost loved ones during active duty, we dedicate Gold Star Family Remembrance Week as a token of our appreciation. My colleagues and I send our gratitude to the thousands of families across the country who tell the stories, share the memories, and honor the bravery of those who lost their lives in service to our great Nation."" A Gold Star Family is a family who has lost an immediate family member while serving on active duty in the armed services of the United States. Rep. Newhouse was joined by 65 of his colleagues in introducing the resolution to honor these families across the country. Original cosponsors include: Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Barry Moore (AL-01), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Henry ""Hank"" Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Young Kim (CA-40), Robert Wittman (VA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Charles ""Chuck"" Fleischmann (TN-03), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Randy Weber Sr. (TX-14), John Garamendi (CA-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Josh Harder (CA-09), Christopher Smith (NJ-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Zachary Nunn (IA-03), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Mike Flood (NE-01), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Angie Craig (MN-02), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Cory Mills (FL-07), Roger Williams (TX-25), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), August Pfluger (TX-11), Mike Carey (OH-15), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Tim Moore (NC-14), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Julie Fedorchak (ND-00), John Rose (TN-06), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Ken Calvert (CA-41), John McGuire (VA-05), Max Miller (OH-07), David Valadao (CA-22), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Mark Alford (MO-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), and Dave Joyce (OH-14). See full resolution text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-death-charlie-kirk,Newhouse Statement on the Death of Charlie Kirk,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the death of Charlie Kirk. “I was deeply saddened to hear Charlie Kirk has died from this despicable act of violence. As we pray for him, his wife, and two young children, we must also recognize the unacceptable pattern of political violence we have witnessed in recent years. Political speech is free speech, and debate between ideologies is one of our core principles that has sustained this country for almost 250 years. It must be cherished and protected.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-peace-through-strength-ndaa,Newhouse Votes for Peace Through Strength in NDAA,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a vote of 231-196. ""This is a pivotal moment for U.S. national security, and House Republicans have delivered a clear agenda for maintaining peace through strength,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""While China, Russia, and North Korea spare no expense developing cutting-edge warfighting technologies that pose real threats to the U.S. and our allies, this legislation delivers the training and equipment our armed services need to deter aggression and remain a leader on the world stage."" Newhouse added, ""I was also proud to vote for a 3.8 percent pay raise for our troops and an expansion of bonuses for those who protect us at home and abroad."" The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA supports the Trump Administration's peace through strength agenda by building a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect our homeland. This legislation authorizes $892.6 billion for national defense discretionary programs, matching the President's budget request. Defense Acquisition Reform Aligns acquisition warfighter priorities and operational outcomes. Accelerates the requirements process from almost three years to as few as 90 days. Overhauls burdensome acquisition regulations, including rightsizing dollar thresholds to exempt smaller programs. Attracts new entrants to the defense industrial base and reduces barriers to Department of Defense’s use of commercial technology. Promotes a culture of speed and responsible risk-taking in the acquisition workforce. Training and Equipment Authorizes full funding for F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems. Prohibits the retirement of certain F-22, F-15E, A-10, C-130, and Grey Eagle aircraft. Grows defense manufacturing jobs in America and on shores U.S. defense supply chains. Invests in the Golden Dome for America initiative to defend against hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile attacks. Border Security Fully funds deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border. Fully funds the establishment and enforcement of National Defense Areas along the southwest border. Authorizes over $900 million to fight drug trafficking, including $398 million for DoD support of Counter Narcotics operations and $116 million for National Guard Counter Drug programs. See bill text before adoption of amendments here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-support-rural-healthcare-and-tribal-health-services,Newhouse Votes to Support Rural Healthcare and Tribal Health Services,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by the House Appropriations Committee last night. ""House Appropriations has delivered again on our commitment to rein in federal spending while supporting programs that truly benefit taxpayers across the country,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""This legislation maintains critical funding for primary healthcare, strengthens the health workforce in rural areas, and supports our tribal communities with child and family services. We increased funding for grants to mental health and substance use, childcare development, and sustained funding for Head Start which serves children in Central Washington."" Newhouse added, ""We also included a number of national security provisions, including new biomedical research to counter China’s growing influence in the research field, and prohibiting China from purchasing supplies from our Strategic National Stockpile. I thank Chairman Cole and Subcommittee Chairman Aderholt on delivering a product that refocuses taxpayer dollars on programs with a proven record."" The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $184.5 billion, which is $13.7 billion, or seven percent, below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. This legislation: Saves taxpayer dollars and supports critical services by: Providing increased funding for youth and young adult suicide prevention, mental health treatment, and substance abuse prevention and treatment services. Strengthening Tribal communities by supporting mental health and substance abuse treatment, elder care, and child and family services, while promoting accountability and self-sufficiency. Defunding the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), which the Biden Administration improperly used to carry out activities related to adult alcohol consumption. Streamlining duplicative behavioral health programs focused on criminal and juvenile justice programs and homelessness prevention. Boosts U.S. national security and border protections by: Providing $48 billion in funding to support biomedical research, a necessary counter to China’s growing threat in basic science research. Strengthening America’s biodefense and countering global health security threats by providing more than $3 billion for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Prohibiting the purchase of supplies from China for the Strategic National Stockpile, which supports American manufacturers by expanding the domestic industrial base for these items. Prioritizing the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children under custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement through improved sponsor vetting, interagency data sharing, welfare checks, and reporting requirements. Securing the nation’s food security by rolling back the Biden Administration’s burdensome one-size-fits-all regulations leading to the closure of small family farms. See bill text before adoption of amendments here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-talks-tax-reform-us-chamber-tri-city-regional-chamber,"Newhouse Talks Tax Reform with U.S. Chamber, Tri-City Regional Chamber",2025-09-09,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on the Working Families Tax Cuts law passed by Congress and signed by the President in July. ""I thank the Tri-City Chamber for inviting me to their Leaders Luncheon to discuss the many tax provisions we secured throughout the reconciliation process,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""In spite of Washington state’s new budget which included the largest tax hike in state history, I was proud to vote to cut taxes for our business community to help spur job growth. Businesses in Central Washington will soon begin to reap the benefits of this law, and I look forward to working with the Chamber to make sure our region thrives in an economy where we put local businesses first."" ""Small Businesses in Washington state and across the nation were facing an enormous automatic tax increase at the end of the year,"" said Chris Eyler, Vice President of the Northwest Region at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Eyler added, ""As a small businessman himself, Representative Newhouse recognized the importance of not only preventing this increase, but creating tax policy that provides businesses with the long-term certainty they need to invest in their workers and operations."" Rep. Newhouse and the Chambers discussed the many pro-small business provisions in the legislation including: Making permanent the 2017 tax cuts, preventing the largest tax hike in American history. Ending taxes on tips and overtime pay. Making permanent the more than doubled child tax credit. Making permanent the 20 percent Small Business Tax Deduction. More than doubling the maximum expensing for small businesses. Allowing for 100 percent deduction for research and experimental spending for small businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-american-energy-dominance-historic-nuclear-investments,"Newhouse Votes for American Energy Dominance, Historic Nuclear Investments",2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. ""The House has just sent a clear message about the role nuclear will play in the future of American energy,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""This legislation makes historic investments into small modular nuclear reactors and expands licensing for new reactors, like the one coming to the Tri-Cities, which will help America become the global leader in nuclear power.” ""As we work to get out fiscal house in order, tough decisions must be made. The cleanup effort at Hanford and the research and innovation at PNNL are vital to our region, and I will continue to prioritize their missions as we negotiate with the Senate on funding the government."" The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion. The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness. American Energy Robustly funds small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increases funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand capacity for the review, licensing, and oversight of new nuclear reactors. Supports one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources. Facilitates the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways. Increases investments to develop new baseload geothermal energy sources to capitalize on our vast domestic resources. Maintains funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid. Nuclear Deterrent and National Security Provides $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure. Provides $2.171 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries. Provides $1.984 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons. Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party. Prohibits access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia. Prohibits the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern. Prohibits the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries. See bill text before adoption of amendments here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-protecting-our-dams-receives-legislative-hearing,Newhouse Legislation Protecting Our Dams Receives Legislative Hearing,2025-09-03,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after his legislation, H.R. 2073, the Defending our Dams Act, received a legislative hearing by the House Natural Resources Committee with testimony from Clark Mather, Executive Director, Northwest RiverPartners. ""I have been working hard with allies of the Lower Snake River dams to ensure we do everything possible to protect them, and this hearing today marks another success in that effort. This legislation guarantees that federal funds will not be used to breach, or even study breaching, the dams and protects the Army Corps and BPA’s rights to control spillage operations,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""I thank Clark Mather with Northwest RiverPartners for his willingness to testify before the committee on this important issue and will continue to work with our partners to protect these critical pieces of infrastructure."" Background This legislation protects the Lower Snake River dams while ensuring that safeguards are implemented to protect ratepayers and the greater Pacific Northwest economy from the irreparable harm that would occur if the dams were breached. It also prohibits the use of federal funds from being used in breaching, studying the breaching of, or altering the Lower Snake River dams, and does not allow spillage operations on any of the Lower Snake River dams unless such operations are approved by the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Russ Fulcher (ID-01). See full bill text here. Watch full hearing here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-put-taxpayers-first-financial-services-appropriations,Newhouse Votes to Put Taxpayers First in Financial Services Appropriations,2025-09-03,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. ""House Appropriations is back at work to ensure we are being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and this legislation focuses on strengthening the institutions those taxpayers rely on. We prioritized provisions that protect Americans’ financial privacy and support American businesses by implementing new ‘Buy American’ policies for resources purchased by the federal government,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""With the recent announcement of the Secretary of Agriculture being added to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), I am glad to see this legislation fully fund CFIUS and their newest mission to keep the CCP out of the market for American farmland."" The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $23.341 billion, which is approximately $410 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 allocation and a 7.9 percent reduction from the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted discretionary appropriation. The bill restores fiscal discipline and common sense to the federal government. The measure upholds the rights of American citizens, strengthens national security, and harnesses technology to make the federal government work smarter, faster, and more efficiently for the American people. See bill text before adoption of amendments here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-bill-speed-allied-defense-sales-arms-export-licenses-passes-strong,Baumgartner Bill to Speed Allied Defense Sales in Arms Export Licenses Passes With Strong Bipartisan Support,2025-09-02,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, the House passed Congressman Michael Baumgartner’s (WA-05) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Licensing Reform Act with strong bipartisan support under suspension of the rules. The bill takes direct aim at the outdated, slow-moving process for approving arms export licenses—particularly for America’s closest allies. “America must remain the defense partner of choice. That requires time-certain decisions for our trusted allies, not years of red tape,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “The ITAR Licensing Reform Act prioritizes key partners, sets real deadlines, and forces transparency and accountability-–so allied defense kits get to the front lines faster, U.S. industry responds faster, and adversaries see a stronger, more credible coalition. I’m proud it passed the House with strong bipartisan support today.” Currently, all Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) license applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with no priority given to key U.S. partners. This creates costly delays, uncertainty for our allies, and potential risks to U.S. national security. The ITAR Licensing Reform Act fixes this by requiring the Secretary of State to maintain a list of priority countries eligible for expedited license processing. It sets clear deadlines—45 days for priority partners and 60 days for all applications to the maximum extent practicable—ensuring that trusted allies get the support they need, when they need it to defend against threats posed by our common adversaries—like Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. Congressman Baumgartner’s bill codifies President Trump’s Executive Order, Reforming Foreign Defense Sales to Improve Speed and Accountability. Background: Several bipartisan bills also passed the House under suspension today, marking continued momentum on national security and foreign policy priorities. To pass a bill under suspension, the bill requires a 2/3 majority vote, reflecting broad agreement across party lines. Great-power competition is a race against time – and our allies are part of our nation’s defense. When Washington can’t deliver licenses predictably, allies hedge elsewhere, and U.S. producers delay capital and workforce investments. Also passed under suspension today are two bills that would modernize and expedite critical aspects of U.S. foreign military sales. H.R. 4216 – FMS-Only List Review Act (Rep. Sheri Biggs). The current Foreign Military Sales (FMS)-only list, which restricts certain defense articles and services to the slower, government-to-government FMS process, is classified, infrequently updated, and lacks transparency. This delays delivery of key capabilities to foreign partners and impacts joint security objectives. H.R. 4216 would require a regular review of the FMS-only list every three years to determine whether more items can be transferred through the faster Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) process. H.R. 4233 – ARMOR Act (Rep. Young Kim) The ARMOR Act addresses inefficiencies in the arms export review process for AUKUS-related defense cooperation. Currently, expedited licensing applies only within the geographic boundaries of AUKUS countries, limiting operational flexibility abroad. H.R. 4233 expands expedited review to include reexports, retransfers, and temporary imports of AUKUS-related defense items and services, regardless of location. It also exempts these transactions from the Congressional Notification Process and requires annual reporting to Congress on the expedited review process. Congressman Baumgartner serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and on the Foreign Arms Sales Task Force",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-secures-48-million-new-tri-cities-va-clinic,Newhouse Secures $48 Million for New Tri-Cities VA Clinic,2025-08-13,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced funding for a new veterans Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to be constructed in the Tri-Cities. ""This historic investment will revitalize veteran care in the Tri-Cities for over 16,000 veterans who call it home. Better access to modern care, benefits, and services for veterans has been a top priority during my time in Congress, and I am pleased to have secured the necessary funds to deliver new resources that will directly benefit those in our area who have served."" said Rep. Newhouse. The project will be funded at $48,245,000 and was officially authorized by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. The funding comes from S. 3373, the Honoring Our PACT Act, which passed the House of Representatives with Rep. Newhouse’s support in July 2022 and became law in August 2022. Media will be notified when a location for the clinic is selected, as well as when a groundbreaking date is set. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:57:50Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-returns-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-visit-israel,Baumgartner Returns from Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Visit to Israel,2025-08-12,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Middle East Subcommittee, has returned to the United States following a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Israel. During the visit, Baumgartner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, engaging in discussions about joint missile defense cooperation, regional stability, and the shared threat posed by Iran and its proxy militias. He also participated in high-level briefings with Israeli defense officials and peace negotiators. “Visits like this are essential for shaping effective U.S. foreign policy,” said Congressman Baumgartner. ""I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent Eastern Washington and help ensure that American leadership abroad continues to support peace, security, and prosperity.” The bipartisan group visited the tragic site of the October 7 Nova music festival massacre, where Hamas terrorists brutally murdered hundreds of innocent young people. Reflecting on the experience, Congressman Baumgartner said, “Standing at the site of such senseless violence was heartbreaking. It reinforces why the United States must stand firmly with Israel in the fight against terrorism.” The trip also included visits to several of Israel’s most sacred historical and religious sites. Baumgartner joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to visit the Sea of Galilee. As a Catholic, Baumgartner described this moment as deeply meaningful. “Israel is a special place with special people, and I deeply value the country’s enduring friendship with America,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “We stand united against terror and committed to ensuring peace and security in the region.” A longtime student of the region, Baumgartner first traveled to the Middle East 30 years ago to study in Syria and Jordan. He emphasized how this visit reaffirmed his dedication to counterterrorism efforts and his belief in the possibility of peace for all people in the region. “As someone who first studied in the Middle East three decades ago, this trip was personally moving and professionally impactful. It filled me with renewed optimism that people of every religion deserve peace, and that, one day, they will find it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:57:50Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-honors-spokane-native-and-mlb-hall-famer-ryne-sandberg,Baumgartner Honors Spokane Native and MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg,2025-07-29,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the passing of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Spokane native Ryne Sandberg: “Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a Hall of Famer—he was Spokane’s pride,"" said Congressman Baumgartner. “From the ballfields of North Central High School to the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field, Sandberg brought class, consistency, and quiet excellence to the game of baseball. His legacy will live on in the countless young athletes he inspired—proof that you can go from Spokane to Cooperstown with grit, discipline, and heart.” Sandberg earned 10 All-Star selections, 9 Gold Gloves, and a National League MVP award—not by chasing headlines, but by doing the hard things right every single day. That work ethic is familiar to every Eastern Washingtonian. He was inducted into the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame in 2005. Sandberg passed away surrounded by family after fighting a battle with cancer at age 65.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-tribal-support-newhouse-legislation,WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Tribal Support for Newhouse Legislation,2025-07-25,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act alongside Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to improve hiring and retention for tribal law enforcement officers in Central Washington and across the United States. Here is what they are saying about the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act: Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, said, ""The Colville Tribes strongly supports the ‘Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. The bill would implement long overdue reforms and remove administrative barriers to tribal law officers enforcing federal laws on their reservation lands. It will also assist the Colville Tribes and other tribes in recruiting and retaining officers, which is critical for rural tribes that have large land bases and not enough officers to adequately patrol."" Jeremy Takala, Law & Order Committee Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council, said, ""Bolstering support for Tribal law enforcement recruitment and retention is crucial to addressing the many serious and systemic public safety issues in Indian Country. The issue is particularly pressing for the Yakama Nation and other tribes with large-land bases and a severe lack of resources to adequately patrol such a vast area. At Yakama we are facing an overwhelming confluence of public safety crises. We have experienced a surge in violent and property crimes, the highest rate of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People in the region, and a terrifying rise in outside gang and cartel-related drug activity coming onto our lands, including the pervasive and deadly fentanyl epidemic. The recent coordinated, multi-agency drug trafficking interdiction “Operation Overdrive” that dismantled a large drug distribution network operating on the Yakama Reservation shows what is possible when all levels of government work together to make our communities safer. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will help give the Yakama Nation and other tribes the tools and funding necessary to protect our communities and people who live, work, and raise their families on our lands. The Yakama Nation appreciates Congressman Newhouse's partnership with us and his continued work to address long-standing impediments to Tribal sovereignty and our public safety efforts."" Dustin Klatush, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, said, ""The Chehalis Tribe strongly supports the bill. Our Tribe is fortunate in that we are able to pay our law enforcement officers competitive salaries but competitive retirement benefits are currently out of reach for Chehalis and most other tribes around the country. If enacted, this will allow Chehalis and other tribes to take care of the officers that patrol and keep our communities safe."" Glen Nenema, Chairman, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, said, ""Many tribal police departments are chronically understaffed and massively underfunded. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act would level the playing field for tribal police benefits, retirement, and pension, allowing tribes to improve retention and recruitment of officers on tribal lands. Ultimately, passage of the act would help improve overall safety in tribal communities. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse, Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, and their colleagues for championing this act and hope the overwhelming tribal support will ensure its approval."" Everett Ekdahl, Jr., Vice President, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, said, ""As a tribal law enforcement officer and an elected tribal leader, I know firsthand how hard it is to recruit and retain law enforcement officers. This bill will make it so much easier to achieve that objective by ensuring tribal law enforcement officers have access to proper retirement benefits. This bill will make our community safer."" Leonard Forsman, Chairman, Suquamish Tribe, said, ""The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will provide tribal nations with the tools necessary to recruit and retain law enforcements officers. It shows Congress’s commitment to public safety on tribal lands and the fair treatment of tribal law enforcement officers. We are grateful for Senator Cantwell, Congressman Newhouse, and Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez for their leadership on this important issue."" Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Chairman, Hopi Tribe, said, ""The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act represents a crucial advancement in ensuring that tribal law enforcement agencies, such as Hopi Law Enforcement Services, have the support they need to protect those that live and work on the Hopi Reservation. The Hopi Tribe is grateful to Senator Cantwell, Congressman Newhouse, Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, and their colleagues for their leadership strengthening recruitment, retention, and public safety across tribal nations."" Teri Gobin, Chair, Tulalip Tribes, said, ""The Tulalip Tribes strongly and unequivocally support the Tribal Law Enforcement Parity Act. Our tribal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve the same retirement and benefits as their federal counterparts. This legislation is about parity and public safety. We are losing dedicated, highly trained officers because we can’t offer competitive retirement benefits. Passing the Parity Act is critical to keeping our officers on the force and ensuring the safety and security of everyone—tribal and non-tribal—who lives, works, and visits our lands."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-applauds-president-trumps-executive-order-save-college-sports,Baumgartner Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order to Save College Sports,2025-07-24,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon President Trump signing Executive Order, Saving College Sports earlier today. “President Trump’s Executive Order is a major step toward restoring fairness in college athletics. It reins in NIL abuses, protects women’s and Olympic sports, and ensures any future revenue-sharing model preserves broad-based participation,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It reflects the values I’ve championed: equity, opportunity, and sustainability across the full landscape of college sports. I applaud the President for signing this Executive Order, and I look forward to working with him to save college sports.” The Executive Order: Sets clear expectations for large athletic departments (those with over $50 million in revenue) to preserve—and for the largest departments (over $125 million)—to expand scholarship opportunities and roster spots in Olympic and non-revenue sports. Establishes federal policy that any revenue-sharing arrangements between schools and athletes must be structured to protect and sustain women’s sports and broad-based participation opportunities. Declares third-party, pay-for-play inducements—those not tied to fair market value or legitimate endorsement activity—as improper and contrary to the educational mission of college athletics. Directs the full federal apparatus—including the Departments of Education, Justice, HHS, the FTC, and the NLRB—to implement these priorities and to “stabilize” college athletics through regulation, enforcement, litigation, funding decisions, and coordination with states and Congress. Establishes a consultative group on protecting the development of the U.S. Olympic Team. You can read the full Executive Order here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-legislation-strengthen-tribal-law-enforcement,Newhouse Leads Legislation to Strengthen Tribal Law Enforcement,2025-07-24,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act alongside Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to improve hiring and retention for tribal law enforcement officers in Central Washington and across the United States. ""As the missing and murdered indigenous women crisis continues to plague tribal communities across the country, tribal law enforcement agencies are facing serious challenges with recruiting and retaining officers and resources,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, ""This bipartisan legislation empowers tribal law enforcement to build and maintain strong, well-trained forces who will be far better equipped to address the MMIW crisis, counter illicit drug flow, and protect tribal communities in Central Washington. I thank members of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle who understand the scale of these challenges and are helping to lead towards a solution."" Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez said, ""I hear from law enforcement across Southwest Washington about how difficult it can be to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural communities. Our bipartisan legislation will cut down on administrative burdens and strengthen benefits for Tribal law enforcement—to ensure that sovereign Tribal Nations can keep their communities safe."" Senator Maria Cantwell said, ""Tribes need more law enforcement officers to fight both the fentanyl and murdered and missing indigenous people epidemics and to respond to emergencies in their communities. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will help tribal communities get the law enforcement resources they need to keep their communities safe."" Senator Markwayne Mullin said, ""Tribal police departments work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities in Oklahoma and around the nation. Tribal police should receive equal treatment and resources needed for the safety of their communities without going through excessive red tape. I'm proud to join with my colleagues on this and support our Tribal law enforcement."" Reps. Newhouse and Gluesenkamp Perez were joined by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), and Angie Craig (D-MN), in introducing the legislation. Rep. Tom Cole said, ""Native American communities in the United States generally face higher crime rates than the national average. Yet, unfortunately, tribes are still facing major challenges in recruiting and retaining police officers. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will help to improve this struggle by ensuring tribal police have the resources they need, removing administrative barriers, and giving tribal law enforcement officers under a 638 contract or compact the same federal benefits as other federal law enforcement officers. I am so proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill and would like to thank Reps. Newhouse and Gluesenkamp-Perez for their leadership on this legislation, as this is a critical issue that Congress must address."" Rep. Sharice Davids said, ""Tribal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve the same support and recognition as their counterparts. This bill takes a long-overdue step to cut red tape and ensure tribal officers can access the training, authority, and benefits they’ve earned. I’m proud to support this effort to strengthen public safety in tribal and rural communities alike."" Rep. Ryan Zinke said, ""The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act ensures tribal officers are treated as the equal partners they are in the fight against drug smuggling and human trafficking. By cutting red tape and giving these officers federal parity in jurisdiction, training, and benefits, we’re strengthening public safety, supporting tribal sovereignty, and honoring our commitment to the rule of law in every community."" Rep. Marilyn Strickland said, ""It is critical for the federal government to respect tribal sovereignty and strengthen public safety. This bill will protect tribal communities and help with officer recruitment and retention."" Rep. John Moolenaar said, ""Law enforcement officers work hard to protect their communities, and we should support them no matter what level of government they work for. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers working for Indian tribes are currently unable to enforce all our nation’s laws and cannot claim certain benefits, making it difficult for tribes to recruit officers. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a commonsense bill that removes barriers for tribal governments and equips them with the resources they need to enforce the law and keep their communities safe."" Rep. Gabe Vasquez said, ""As the proud representative of seven federally recognized Tribes, I’ve heard firsthand the unique challenges Tribal law enforcement officers face in keeping their communities safe. The bipartisan Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a crucial step toward addressing some of these needs by delivering the federal benefits these brave officers deserve, cutting the red tape that makes it harder to recruit and retain officers, and bringing us closer to delivering the safety every Tribal community deserves."" This legislation is supported by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Suquamish Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, and the Tulalip Tribes. The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will: Authorize tribal officers acting under a 638 contract or compact to be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications, including having completed certain training and background investigation requirements that are comparable to BIA law enforcement officers. This action would eliminate the need for Indian tribes to enter into Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) agreements, which are currently required under existing for tribal officers to enforce federal law and have proven administratively burdensome for tribes to obtain. Treat tribal law enforcement officers acting under a 638 contract or compact as federal law enforcement officers for purposes of other federal laws, including for benefits applicable to federal law enforcement officers for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits. Tribal law enforcement officers are currently not eligible for these federal benefit programs and including tribal officers will enhance tribes’ ability to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural areas. Provide for the Secretary of the Interior to implement procedures for credentialing tribal officers and for the Attorney General to coordinate training and reporting activities. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-host-telephone-town-hall,Newhouse To Host Telephone Town Hall,2025-07-23,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) will host a telephone town hall session next week to hear from constituents of Washington's Fourth District. WHEN: Monday, July 28, 5:30-7:00 PM PT. Any constituents interested in joining the session should RSVP here by 12:00 PM PT this Sunday, July 27. Constituents will receive an automated phone call 10 minutes before the session begins with instructions on how to join and ask a question. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-responsible-land-management-unleashing-natural-resources,"Newhouse Votes for Responsible Land Management, Unleashing Natural Resources",2025-07-22,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. ""In my four years as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I worked hard to counter the Biden administration’s top-down regulations that threatened our public lands and natural resources across the West. This legislation is a course correction from the previous administration to unleash the resources we have under our feet, protect public lands for all who enjoy their benefits, and prioritize conservation over preservation across the United States. I also secured critical funding for three water infrastructure projects in Othello, Winthrop, and Oroville to address the water supply and distribution challenges these communities face,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, ""I thank Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson and Full Committee Chairman Tom Cole for their leadership and commitment to funding priorities that support our rural way of life."" The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $37.971 billion, which is $2.54 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, estimated at $550 million, and prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management. Champions American energy dominance and reduces regulatory burdens by: Providing the OMB requested increase of $13.6 million for offshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the OMB requested increase of $15 million for onshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Land Management. Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to conduct onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales. Prohibiting the use of the social cost of carbon, which has stymied new development. Prohibiting the EPA from imposing the methane fee on oil and gas producers created by the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act. Prohibiting multiple U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers. Protects access to public lands by: Blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands. Preventing additional regulations on ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act or any other law. Prohibiting restrictions on where standard lead ammunition and fishing tackle can be used on certain federal lands or waters unless conditions are met. Stopping the Bureau of Land Management’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule to ensure continued access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and energy development. Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: Reducing our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals by promoting access to resources here at home through blocking certain lease withdrawals in Minnesota and reinstating mineral leases in the Superior National Forest. Promoting domestic mining by ensuring ancillary mining activities can be approved, which is a fix to the Rosemont decision that created additional red tape and regulatory uncertainty for mining operations. Ensuring chemical and pesticide manufacturers are not overburdened with requirements that would drive businesses overseas and threaten American competitiveness. Prohibiting funds for the National Park Service to provide housing to an alien without lawful status. Providing $771.84 million for Tribal Public Safety and Justice programs, which is a 39% increase over the FY25 enacted level. Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington's Fourth District in this legislation: City of Othello Amount Secured: $1,000,000 The City of Othello is 100 percent reliant on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply and after several years of data collection, study completions, and pilot test studies, the City of Othello has developed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) strategy to mitigate declining water levels in the Wanapum Basalt aquifer. The ASR method has proven to be effective, and the City has progressed to the stage of predesign. The City is requesting funding assistance with the next phase of “design” to build a permanent solution that will result in a sustainable, reliable, environmentally responsible water supply plan for the Othello region. City of Winthrop Amount Secured: $1,500,000 The proposed project will improve the reliability of the Town of Winthrop’s water source and distribution system. The town only has one functioning well (Well #1). If that well goes down, the town only has a day or two of water available in its three reservoirs. Well #2 has been approved as an emergency water source by Department of Health, but it needs to be rehabilitated to be in regular use. Scope of work includes: Rehabilitation of Well #2, including new pump, motor, piping, electrical/controls, generator backup, and a new well house. Repairs to the Town’s East Reservoir, including waterproofing, concrete repairs, and altitude valve replacement. Community benefits include public health and safety, fire protection, and water conservation. Winthrop is ranked #6 on the Washington DNR’s burn probability list. Given the community’s vulnerability to wildfire, ensuring a resilient and redundant water supply system with reliable fire flow capacity is critical for public safety. City of Oroville Amount Secured: $1,400,000 The project will result in new, upgraded water pipes that ensure safe and reliable drinking water to Oroville’s north end area. The City of Oroville requests $1,750,000 for construction of the first phase of the project which consists of approximately 3,500 lineal feet of aging and undersized water transmission main piping serving the “North End” of the City’s water system. The existing water t-mains consist of 4-inch and 6-inch deteriorated PVC pipe, which cannot provide adequate fire flow or service pressure and are prone to leaking. The project will replace these existing, undersized transmission mains with 12-inch transmission mains along 20th from Main St to Juniper St, and along Juniper St and Main St from 20th St to 23rd St. The project will also replace existing, undersized water transmission mains with 8-inch transmission mains along Deerpath Dr from 21st St to 23rd St, and along 23rd St from Deerpath Dr to Westlake Ave. Bill text before amendments can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-deterrent-act-addresses-foreign-interference-higher-education,Baumgartner: DETERRENT Act addresses foreign interference in higher education,2025-07-21,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Vice Chair of the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education, penned an op-ed in The Hill calling for the U.S. Senate to act on his DETERRENT Act to end malign foreign influence in our education system and put American interests first. This comes after the House Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing titled “Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology,” where UC-Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons failed to commit to full transparency on foreign funding. Baumgartner writes: “Even more alarming, he admitted that hostile foreign actors regularly approach the university but claimed he was “not in a position” to name a single example. The American people deserve to know who is bankrolling our public universities. If UC Berkeley won’t come clean, it raises a serious question: What are universities hiding — and why?” Baumgartner discusses how this is not just an academic issue, it is also a direct threat to our national security. He cites the Department of Education’s ongoing investigation into the University of Michigan’s discrepancies in their financial disclosures. Baumgartner writes: “In January, the University of Michigan cut ties with a Chinese university over concerns that its funding could be linked to Beijing’s military-industrial complex. On Tuesday, the Department of Education opened an investigation into the university to assess its compliance with federal law and the accuracy of its foreign funding disclosures. He continues: While I welcome the University of Michigan’s decision to stop the flow of money from the Chinese Communist Party, serious questions remain. Why were tens of millions in foreign funding reported late — and in some cases, misclassified as coming from “nongovernmental entities” when the money appears to be directly tied to foreign governments? What are they hiding?”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-applauds-passage-fy2026-defense-appropriations-bill,Baumgartner Applauds Passage of FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill,2025-07-18,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of the FY2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. “Today’s passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill is about more than numbers on a page, it’s about standing with the men and women who wear the uniform,” said Congressman Michael Baumgartner. “This bill ensures our troops have safe barracks to sleep in, childcare for their families, and the pay raise they’ve earned through sacrifice and service. It invests in the tools they need to defend our country and come home safely. It strengthens our border, counters global threats, and protects taxpayer dollars. I was proud to support this bill because it honors our commitment to those who serve, and to the values they defend every day.” Background: The Defense Appropriations Bill funds the core activities, operations, and programs of the Department of Defense for a given fiscal year. Specifically, it provides funding for: Military personnel Operation and Maintenance Procurement Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Revolving and Management Funds Other Department of Defense Programs (Defense Health Program, Office of the Inspector General, etc.) Related Agencies (CIA Retirement and Disability System Fund, Intelligence Community Management Account) Some initiatives funded in this bill include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-strong-national-defense-troop-pay-raise,"Newhouse Votes for Strong National Defense, Troop Pay Raise",2025-07-18,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-209. ""It is no secret that America’s adversaries are hard at work around the world, and House Republicans have delivered critical funding to ensure we maintain the upper hand,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, ""This legislation invests in next generation aircraft, modernizes our nuclear triad, and supports the Golden Dome initiative to protect us here at home. I am also glad to see a pay raise for our troops alongside pay increases to retain junior servicemembers across our armed forces. I thank Subcommittee Chairman Calvert and full Committee Chairman Cole on their leadership and commitment to keeping national security the priority in this legislation."" The Defense Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $831.5 billion, which is flat to the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The legislation invests in America’s military superiority, takes care of our troops and their families, and protects against threats at America’s border. Military Strength Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX. Supporting the modernization of the nuclear triad: the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel. Targeting resources for unmanned aerial systems, uncrewed maritime platforms, and land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems to advance capabilities and strengthen our national defense. Investing in national security space, including proliferated missile warning, missile tracking satellite, and next generation intelligence collection systems to ensure national leaders have real-time global situational awareness. Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort. Providing over $2.6 billion for hypersonics programs. Support for Servicemembers and Families Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026. Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers. Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million. Combatting Threats at the Southern Border Providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs, which is $245 million above the budget request. Increasing funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program. Transferring Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization. Bill text before amendments can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-secures-23-million-central-washington-infrastructure-projects,Newhouse Secures $23 Million for Central Washington Infrastructure Projects,2025-07-17,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. ""Across Central Washington, there is a need to modernize, upgrade, and expand various infrastructure projects. I am proud to have secured over $23 million that will go directly to the Wenatchi Landing project, the Port of Quincy rail expansion, and recovery housing in Benton County. These projects will boost economic development, improve public safety, and allow local entities to provide quality services to those who rely on them. I look forward to working with Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, House leadership, and our Senators to get this funding signed into law,"" said Rep. Newhouse. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $89.910 billion, which is $4.458 billion (4.7%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. This legislation prioritizes air traffic control infrastructure, controller hiring, and transportation safety while maintaining essential housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable. Rep. Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington's Fourth District in this legislation. The Wenatchi Landing Interchange Improvement Project Amount Secured: $10,000,000 The project aims to address transportation and safety issues in Douglas County, an area experiencing rapid growth, technological advancements, and commerce, while maintaining its agricultural roots. The goal of the project is to improve safety and connectivity between local communities and the broader regional transportation network. The funding will provide key safety upgrades will include a separated pedestrian and bicycle path, improved sidewalks, and better connectivity to U.S. Highway 2, State Route 28, and the county’s broader transportation network. These improvements will reduce accidents, enhance safety for all road users, and support sustainable transportation needs. Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project Amount Secured: $2,500,00 Funding will expand the rail infrastructure on the northeast side of Quincy, WA, both within the Port’s current rail terminal and to nearby industrial zoned properties in the Port District. Once complete, the project will provide more freight mobility options to Pacific Northwest and Washington State agricultural and food shippers and exporters, attract industrial and manufacturing projects that will create family wage jobs, lessen wear and tear on freeways, highways and mountain passes by converting over-the-road freight to rail intermodal freight, and decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The Port of Warden Truck Access/Bypass Road Project Amount Secured: $2,500,000 This project is a multi-phase infrastructure initiative aimed at improving freight mobility, enhancing public safety, and supporting economic development in Warden, WA. The project involves constructing a dedicated truck access and bypass road that connects State Route 170 to the Port of Warden’s industrial properties in southwest Warden. This new roadway is designed to provide a more efficient route for trucks transporting goods to and from industrial facilities, allowing them to bypass residential neighborhoods. Three Rivers Recovery Housing Project Amount Secured: $3,000,000 Funding would be used to convert a portion of the old Kennewick General Hospital into residential apartments for transitional housing to ensure safe and stable housing exists for people coming out of treatment facilities to ensure smooth re-entry into the community. The building is currently owned by Benton County, Seasons Housing will enter a long-term lease for the space. The completed project will contain up to 17 residential units which can house up to 35 residents. The project will also include spaces for individual and group counseling, entertainment for the residents, and training spaces for social skills and job placement assistance. Benton County is in the process of developing a comprehensive behavioral health recovery program that will serve its residents and those in the surrounding region and this project will help residents achieve lifelong recovery and avoid homelessness that often plagues people recovering from substance use disorders. Village of Hope Amount Secured: $4,265,000 Funding will be used to renovate 25 warehouse units, which currently serve up to 100 homeless individuals, and construct nine new units, which will serve up to 40 additional homeless individuals within the Village of Hope. The current application waiting list is up to 46 chronically homeless families within the community, and the number is rising. The project completion would address the unmet needs of the chronically homeless and provide vulnerable individuals and families on the Yakima reservation with resources, support, and guidance to minimize their barrier to finding permanent housing and improving their quality of life. Port of Moses Lake Infrastructure Development Project Amount Secured: $600,000 Funding will be used to construct access to common areas surrounding Port of Moses Lake ramp access. Project elements include the construction of aircraft taxi lanes, vehicle access roads, and other site preparation. This work will facilitate public and private development in partnerships to meet the current and accelerating demand, which will in turn create new jobs and generate additional revenue, as well as supporting life and safety operations. Reconstruction of US 97, Phase 2 Amount Secured: $948,000 Funding will be used to support the reconstructing of US 97 through the City of Tonasket. Specifically, funding will be used to add features to increase pedestrian safety and decrease vehicular travel speeds, improve street and pedestrian lighting, replace existing sidewalks with full ADA compliance, correct adverse elevations slopes for ADA crossing compliance, replace existing stormwater structures and conveyance systems to pass design storm events and limit flooding to the adjacent businesses and inflow to the wastewater treatment plant, replace existing 80-year-old cast iron with lead joint watermains, and installation of stormwater treatment to protect the quality of water of the Okanogan River. Bill text before amendments can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-boost-nuclear-energy-achieve-energy-dominance,"Newhouse Votes to Boost Nuclear Energy, Achieve Energy Dominance",2025-07-17,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. ""The United States is at a critical point regarding the future of domestic energy production, and this legislation makes clear the prominent role nuclear energy and small modular reactors will play as we work to become truly energy dominant,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""It also makes new investments into the Office of Science, which supports the mission at PNNL, and delivers the necessary resources to the Army Corps of Engineers to manage and maintain our critical hydroelectric dams. While there are further changes and funding increases that I would like to see in this legislation, specifically for Hanford and for PNNL, it serves as a strong starting point as we prepare to work with the Senate to support our nation’s energy needs."" The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion. The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness. American Energy Supports one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources. Robustly funds small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increases funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand capacity for the review, licensing, and oversight of new nuclear reactors. Facilitates the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways. Increases investments to develop new baseload geothermal energy sources to capitalize on our vast domestic resources. Maintains funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid. Nuclear Deterrent and National Security Provides $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure. Provides $2.171 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries. Provides $1.984 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons. Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party. Prohibits access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia. Prohibits the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern. Prohibits the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries. Bill text before amendments can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/speaker-johnson-appoints-baumgartner-us-canada-interparliamentary-group,Speaker Johnson Appoints Baumgartner to U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation,2025-07-11,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced the appointment of Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) as a member of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group (IPG) for the 119th Congress. In this role, Baumgartner will engage with Canadian parliamentary counterparts to strengthen cooperation on a range of bilateral issues critical to both nations. “The United States and Canada share a deeply rooted partnership based on common democratic values, economic integration, and security cooperation,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “From energy and trade to border management and defense, the U.S.-Canada relationship is essential to the prosperity and stability of North America. Representing a northern border district, I am honored to serve in this role and look forward to meeting with Canadian legislators to advance policies that benefit both our countries.” As a member of the U.S.-Canada IPG, Baumgartner will focus on shared priorities including strengthening cross-border trade and travel, enhancing energy cooperation, addressing continental supply chain resilience, and advancing joint efforts on environmental and security initiatives. His experience in foreign policy and economic development will support efforts to navigate evolving challenges in the bilateral relationship. Other Members of the U.S.-Canada IPG include: Rep. Bill Huizenga (Chair), Rep. Jack Bergman, Rep. Pete Stauber, Rep. Claudia Tenney, Rep. Brad Finstad, and Rep. Nicholas Langworthy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-designate-astria-toppenish-critical,Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital,2025-07-10,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to allow Astria Toppenish to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital, which is currently ineligible for certain rural hospital support due to unique geographic and economic factors and the number of patients it serves. ""This legislation helps address the unique financial situation of Astria Toppenish by allowing them to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital. Certain rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish face unique challenges qualifying for adequate federal reimbursements as the demand for services continues to rise. While there is plenty of work to be done in addressing these challenges, this legislation is a strong first step in reforming the way we support rural hospitals providing critical health services to our communities."" said Rep. Newhouse. This legislation would directly benefit Astria-Toppenish as it delivers critical healthcare services to the area but is not currently eligible for CAH status. This status would allow it to access financial benefits that allow other rural hospitals to continue providing care to the communities they serve. ""I’m proud of the collective work done to propel forward legislation for a Critical Access Hospital designation for Astria Toppenish Hospital. This rural facility serves a vital role in the Yakima Valley, especially for the residents of Toppenish and the Yakama Nation. Without this hospital, families would be left without access to timely, lifesaving care—and that’s simply unacceptable,"" said Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Astria Health. Gibbons continued, ""Astria Health has stretched resources as far as they can go, doing everything possible to keep the doors open. But no health system—especially one serving multiple underserved communities—can continue reallocating funds without consequences."" Cathy Bambrick, Administrator for Astria Toppenish Hospital, added, ""A Critical Access designation would allow Toppenish hospital to receive enhanced reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients—who make up the majority of those treated at our facility. It’s a commonsense, fiscally responsible solution that supports rural health, preserves access to care, and upholds our commitment to underserved populations."" The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. To accomplish this goal, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-secretary-agriculture-joining-cfius,Newhouse Statement on Secretary of Agriculture Joining CFIUS,2025-07-10,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding placing the United States Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). ""Over the past few years, we have learned about the significant threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to our supply chains and economy here at home. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I have worked to ensure the CCP does not take roots on American farmland and around sensitive national security sites. Today, I’m encouraged to see the Secretary of Agriculture finally take a seat at the CFIUS table, and I look forward to working with Secretary Brooke Rollins to keep the CCP out of our backyards and away from American farms."" This Memorandum between the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture implements a provision Rep. Newhouse secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to add the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS. Specifically, it implements Section 787 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42). Read the Memorandum here. Background Rep. Newhouse has led the effort in Congress to add the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS. In addition to securing the provision in the appropriations legislation, Rep. Newhouse passed a bill out of the House of Representatives in September 2024 to add the Secretary to CFIUS. In addition to securing the provision in the appropriations legislation, Rep. Newhouse passed a bill out of the House of Representatives in September 2024 to add the Secretary to CFIUS. Rep. Newhouse is a founding member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party tasked working on a bipartisan basis to build consensus on the threat posed by the CCP and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-commends-latest-administrative-action-protecting-lower-snake,Newhouse Commends Latest Administrative Action Protecting Lower Snake River Dams,2025-07-09,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation announced the withdrawal of the Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Columbia River Systems Operations. ""This decision is in line with what we have known for years; we can benefit from the Lower Snake River dams while working to improve salmon populations,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""The 2020 EIS reflects the scientific evidence, community input, and stakeholder engagement that should be at the center of these discussions. Unfortunately, the Biden administration disregarded these key parts of the process. I am glad to see this administration’s Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation reverse course and rescind the plan for a supplemental EIS targeting our dams."" Background: In September 2020, the “Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision” for the Columbia River System Operation Environmental Impact Statement (CRSO EIS) published by the co-lead agencies, found that the Lower Snake River Dams should not be breached. Instead, it found that efforts should be focused on improving and maintaining hydropower assets while working to improve salmon passage and conditions. Subsequently, in December of 2023, the Biden Administration announced a 10-year stay in the CRSO mediation, alongside the new Resilient Columbia Basin Initiative (RCBI), an agreement that provides taxpayer dollars for wild fish restoration in the Columbia Basin. The RCBI includes U.S. government commitments that are detrimental to the operations of the CRSO and include a number of initiatives designed to weaken the operation of the Lower Snake River Dams and lead to their eventual breach. One of these commitments included a review of existing environmental compliance documents and initiating any supplemental compliance documents, which the previous administration deemed necessary when it issued a notice of intent (NOI) to supplement the 2020 EIS. This all occurred without the input of key regional stakeholders and was justified through unscientific studies. On June 12, 2025, President Trump signed a Memorandum revoking the Biden Administration’s “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin” Memorandum. The Memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to withdraw from agreements stemming from Biden’s misguided executive action, including the December 14, 2023, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) filed in connection with related litigation. Rescinding the NOI for a Supplemental EIS is the latest step in reversing the Biden administration's executive actions targeting the Lower Snake River dams. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-stakeholder-support-big-beautiful-bill-act,"WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Stakeholder Support for the Big, Beautiful Bill Act",2025-07-09,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act, into law. This legislation delivers tax relief for working families and small businesses, protects nuclear energy investments, and strengthens the agriculture industry. Here's what they are saying about the Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1): Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, said, ""We want to recognize Congressman Newhouse’s efforts to make sure our growers have the support they need to continue supplying the nation and the world with top quality wheat. The increase in the wheat reference price will more closely match the actual cost of production, giving much-needed support to growers who are struggling to make a profit when prices are low. We are also appreciative of the Congressman’s work to protect crop insurance, making it more affordable for farmers to adequately cover their crops in the face of drought or other natural disasters."" Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest, said, ""I am pleased that Congress acknowledges the key role of nuclear power for America’s energy future. While policymaking involves hard choices, Representative Newhouse has consistently championed the U.S. as a leader in advanced nuclear technology. I am excited about actively pursuing the expansion of carbon-free and reliable electricity, marking the next chapter for nuclear energy in America."" Former Congressman Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, ""The One Big Beautiful Bill not only prevented the largest tax increase on the American people in history, it made permanent critical pro-growth provisions that will enable businesses of all sizes, especially small businesses, to grow and thrive. This will strengthen America’s economy and result in greater economic prosperity for all. We thank Congressman Newhouse for his leadership and for supporting this crucial legislation."" David Reeploeg, Vice President for Federal Programs, TRIDEC, said, ""Congressman Newhouse worked incredibly hard to prevent nuclear energy tax credits from being removed from H.R. 1. Retaining these tax credits will help our existing nuclear energy facilities while also supporting advanced nuclear development, which is an area where we see huge opportunities for the Tri-Cities. Not only do the power plants create direct jobs, they also provide the baseload energy needed to attract industry and create even more family wage jobs. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Newhouse’s understanding of how important these tax credits, and nuclear energy, are for his district."" Ted Tschirky, 2025 President, National Potato Council, and grower from Pasco, said, ""We give great credit to Congressman Newhouse and the Chairmen of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for taking the opportunity to deliver on key priorities for the specialty crop industry. The tax certainty provided by the bill, coupled with the historic enhancements in essential Farm Bill programs serving specialty crops will significantly improve our competitiveness against foreign competition well into the future."" Clay Sell, CEO, X-energy, said, ""For next-generation advanced nuclear companies, tax credits are more than just financial incentives—they’re a catalyst for market entry. For early movers, these credits significantly reduce capital risk, unlock private investment, and enable us to compete on a level footing with other energy technologies. Without them, commercialization slows and investor confidence erodes. With them, we’re positioned to scale faster and deliver reliable, always-on abundant power to the market."" Bill Lampson, Chairman and CEO, Lampson International LLC, said, ""Congressman Dan Newhouse’s support of the Big Beautiful Bill was essential for all Americans to avoid the Largest Tax Hike in history, which would have crippled future investments of all types. In our case, we have watched the construction industry struggle with the high cost of overly burdensome regulations, costly and lengthy permitting process and high taxes of all types. The Big Beautiful Bill will allow the construction industry to flourish and create real jobs for many that would have otherwise gone without opportunity. We are so thankful to have a Congressman who truly cares about the ability of his constituents to make a decent living and care for their families. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-praise-pours-one-big-beautiful-bill-act,What They Are Saying: Praise Pours In For The One Big Beautiful Bill Act,2025-07-08,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) touts key stakeholder support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. “The signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill isn’t just a win for Congress or President Trump, it’s a victory for every American. It’s more than legislation; it’s a bold step forward for the country,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This bill delivers for the people who keep America running –farmers, small business owners, seniors, manufacturers, and working families. I’m proud to have helped pass these historic, common-sense reforms that will make our nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous for generations to come.” Here is what stakeholders are saying about the One Big Beautiful Bill: American Farm Bureau President, Zippy Duvall - “Lawmakers took a big step toward ensuring America’s farmers and ranchers can continue to keep pantries filled for America’s families.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce - “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents the kind of forward-looking, pro-growth policy that is vital to maintaining America's prosperity and competitive edge. We thank every lawmaker who cast a vote for America’s future, and we applaud President Trump's leadership in ensuring this historic legislation became law.” American Forest and Paper Association President, Heidi Brock - “We are so appreciative of the work on the one big, beautiful tax bill because our industry is enormously capital-intensive. When you, for instance, want to invest in a new paper mill in our country, that can cost more than $800 million. Provisions in this bill help allow for expensing to be deductible, and that is critical. We need long-term certainty for our manufacturers to successfully invest in the United States.” NFIB Small Business President, Brad Close - “By making the Small Business Tax Deduction permanent, Congress has delivered the certainty that Main Street needs, freeing small business owners to continue to create jobs, grow their business and invest in their communities. Passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a clear message that lawmakers understand the vital role small businesses play in our economy and our communities.” AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, Nancy LeaMond - “This increase delivers tax relief at a time when many older Americans are living on fixed incomes while facing rising costs.” National Association of Manufacturers - “While this bill passed on a party-line vote, manufacturers all across America, in red states and blue states, swing districts and safe districts, look forward to putting people to work, more factories into motion, more innovation into the market, more products onto our shelves and more prosperity into our communities. Taken together, this strengthens the hand of the United States on the world stage. That’s exactly what this bill helps to deliver.” Association of Mature American Citizens - “The Beautiful Bill enacts a $4,000 tax deduction for Americans over age 65 and raises the child tax deduction to $2,200, offering much needed relief to parents struggling with the cost of living.” Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) - “The estate tax is overly burdensome on families trying to pass their business to the next generation. Historically, the FBETC has supported the full and permanent repeal of the estate tax.” National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) - “The men and women of the National Border Patrol Council are proud to announce our support for the House One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation provides a once in a generation investment in the border security of our great country and will make America safer.” National Fraternal Order of Police - “We thank Republicans for removing taxes on overtime and strengthening our border security.” National Rifle Association (NRA) Executive Vice President & CEO, Doug Hamlin - “Congress has delivered a game-changing victory for gun owners - reducing the cost of a tax stamp for suppressors, short-barreled firearms, and ‘any other weapons’ to $0.” Aerospace Industries Association - “The final reconciliation package is a powerful boost to America’s defense, aviation, and manufacturing strength. With $100 billion in investment for the defense industrial base, additional funding to modernize America’s air traffic control system, and a return to pro-America tax policies like immediate R&D expensing, it ensures our warfighters stay equipped with cutting-edge technology while supporting safety, innovation, and job creation across the aerospace sector.” Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America - “Defunding the abortion industry, led by Planned Parenthood, marks the greatest pro-life victory since the Dobbs decision. For the first time in history, Congress is halting forced taxpayer funding of Big Abortion in the Medicaid program for one year. This will save lives and strip over $500 million from Big Abortion’s coffers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-upon-final-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill-act,Baumgartner Issues Statement Upon the Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) voted to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to President Trump’s desk and released the following statement upon its passage. “Hardworking Americans deserve a government that rewards work, drives growth, and knows when to get out of the way. The One Big Beautiful Bill does just that—keeping more money where it belongs: in the pockets of working families. It locks in the Trump Tax Cuts, supports small businesses, secures our southern border, and invests in rural health care and energy independence. I’m especially proud it includes $50 billion for rural health care—a longtime priority of mine since sponsoring the legislation to establish the WSU Medical School during my time in the State Senate. Strengthening care in our communities has always been personal to me. And by finally reining in the wasteful spending Washington has ignored for too long, the bill reflects a serious commitment to responsible, results-driven government.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-hr-1,Newhouse Statement on Passage of H.R. 1,2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon final House passage of the Senate-amended H.R. 1. The legislation, which passed 218-214 now goes to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. ""At the start of this Congress, we made a commitment to reduce government spending, keep taxes low for hard working Americans, and make reforms to federal assistance programs to ensure their long-term sustainability. This is by no means a perfect bill, but it delivers on our commitment while benefiting farmers, families, and small business owners across central Washington. H.R.1 prevents the largest tax hike in American history, increases the Child Tax Credit, and unleashes American energy production to lower costs and reduce inflation. It makes the largest-ever investment in border security and makes our nation safer by strengthening our military. I was able to secure continued investment in our current and future nuclear energy fleet, which is vital to the Tri-Cities and the surrounding region. We include major portions of the Farm Bill to deliver critical assistance for our farmers and ranchers, including my long-time priority of doubling the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program to open new markets for our ag exports. I worked with House Leadership not once, but twice, to successfully prevent the sale of our public lands in this bill. We are protecting Medicaid and SNAP for those who truly need it by requiring part-time work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents and establishing a $50 billion fund for our rural hospitals. By reducing improper payments to deceased individuals and defunct providers, we are ensuring there are more funds for the low-income individuals, families, and seniors who rely on the program. I am committed to keeping our rural hospitals open, and I will utilize my position on the House Appropriations Committee to do just that. Working families, small businesses, rural hospitals, and farmers across Central Washington have been at the top of my mind throughout this process. For weeks since we first passed H.R. 1, I have heard from my constituents about the legislation’s benefits and downsides, and I have truly given serious thought to the legislation. This was a hard, thoroughly considered vote that I believe will benefit the people of my district."" The following are provisions in H.R. 1 that Rep. Newhouse worked to secure. Market Access for Farmers and Ranchers Doubles funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program to give Central Washington producers the upper hand in global markets. Nuclear Energy Tax Credits Preservation Protects the small nuclear reactor project in Richland. Allows advanced nuclear projects to utilize the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credits (48E) once they have commenced construction. Maintains the Nuclear Power Production Tax Credit (45U) through 2031 for existing nuclear reactors. Protections for Rural Hospitals Commitments that funds from the Rural Health Transformation program will support rural hospitals in Washington state. H.R. 1 delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business: Makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, preventing the largest tax hike in American history on the middle class. Removes taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security for seniors. Makes permanent the 20 percent Small Business Tax Deduction, delivering $250 million in GDP growth and 5,000 jobs to Washington's Fourth District annually. H.R. 1 makes historic investments into the agriculture industry: Increases the coverage level and affordability of certain crop insurance policies used by specialty crop producers. Provides more affordable crop insurance for beginning farmers and ranchers for the first ten years of farming. Expands access to standing disaster programs and conservation programs. Improves the livestock programs to be more responsive to drought and predation and expands producer eligibility for the tree assistance program. H.R. 1 makes the largest investment into border security in American history: Funds over 700 miles of border wall at the southwest border. Funds 3,000 new Border Patrol agents and 5,000 new Customs and Border Protection officers. Invests in cutting-edge technology to combat the flow of fentanyl across the border. H.R. 1 makes common-sense reforms to Medicaid to ensure the program's long-term sustainability: Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents to work, volunteer, or pursue further education 80 hours per month to receive benefits. Prevents illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Ensures the program will continue to efficiently serve eligible participants who truly need it. Establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program at $50 billion to states and to covered facilities including a wide array of small, rural, and Medicare-dependent hospitals, rural health clinics, community mental health centers, opioid treatment programs, and more. H.R. 1 reforms the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to support recipients and end abuse of the program: Saves taxpayers nearly $200 billion through reforms to SNAP that ensure the program works the way Congress intended by reinforcing work, rooting out waste, and instituting long-overdue accountability incentives to control costs. Implements modest state cost-share for SNAP to ensure states manage program resources responsibly. Incentivizes correcting error rates in SNAP payments by allowing states with an error rate below six percent to be exempt from paying the cost-share for benefits. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-pfluger-nunn-champion-resolution-end-irans-nuclear-threat-and,"Baumgartner, Pfluger, Nunn Champion Resolution to End Iran’s Nuclear Threat and Defend Israel",2025-06-27,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressmen Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Augest Pfluger (TX-11), Zach Nunn (IA-03), introduced a resolution affirming strong support for President Trump’s policy of permanently, irreversibly, and verifiably dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The resolution also reaffirms unwavering support for the State of Israel’s right to defend itself amid escalating threats from the Iranian regime. “I’ve spent nearly 30 years on Middle East issues, and President Trump’s approach to Iran has been a game-changer—neutralizing the nuclear threat and opening a real chance for peace. But Iran remains a top terrorist sponsor and a serious threat to the U.S., our troops, and to stability in the Middle East. This resolution sends a clear message: we must keep pressure on Iran to ensure the end of its nuclear program and regional aggression. Vigilance and strength are still critical.” - Rep. Michael Baumgartner ""President Trump's decisive actions dealt a critical blow to Iran's nuclear weapons program and reaffirmed America's commitment to our allies. This resolution sends a clear message: the United States will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, terrorism, or aggression by the Iranian regime. We stand with Israel in its right to self-defense and with our Armed Forces who carried out Operation Midnight Hammer with extraordinary precision. For too long, policies of appeasement—including the Obama administration's JCPOA and the Biden administration's reversal of Maximum Pressure—gave Iran cover to enrich uranium and expand terror networks. President Trump is restoring American credibility by holding Tehran accountable and reestablishing deterrence."" - Rep. Augest Pfluger, Chairman of the Republican Study Committee “Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. military sent a clear message: we will not tolerate threats to our allies or our homeland. I’m proud to introduce this resolution with my Republican Study Committee colleagues to support the president’s strong actions to stand firmly with Israel and protect American service members, diplomats, and families from escalating violence.” - Rep. Zach Nunn The resolution highlights critical concerns, including: Iran’s ongoing aggression through missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. forces; Strategic cooperation between Iran, Russia, and China that bolsters Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions; Iran’s support for proxy groups responsible for attacks against American and allied interests; The brutal October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre enabled by Iranian support; Explicit threats by Iranian leaders to destroy Israel and carry out nuclear strikes; The failure of previous diplomatic efforts under the Obama and Biden administrations that emboldened Iran’s nuclear program; and The successful June 21, 2025, U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which significantly degraded the regime’s nuclear capabilities. The resolution commends President Trump and the U.S. Armed Forces for Operation Midnight Hammer, recognizing their decisive action to disrupt Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and restore critical regional deterrence. It calls for continued support of Israel’s missile defense systems—including Iron Dome and David’s Sling—and urges renewed diplomatic efforts backed by firm pressure to bring Iran to the negotiating table. The bill is also co-sponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-celebrates-key-victories-fy2026-milcon-va-appropriations-bill,Baumgartner Celebrates Key Victories in FY2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill,2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) today applauded the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill for fully funding veterans’ health care, benefits, and VA programs at $452.64 billion, a critical investment that honors the nation’s commitment to those who have served. Beyond this major funding commitment, the bill delivers a significant win for veterans’ transportation programs—an initiative Congressman Baumgartner strongly advocated for. The legislation strongly supports the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Volunteer Transportation Network, encouraging increased funding to recruit and retain volunteer drivers and maintain vehicles. This program is vital to making healthcare more accessible, especially for veterans in rural areas of Eastern Washington. This victory complements the bill’s overall commitment to fully fund veterans’ medical care at $131.4 billion, reinforcing the nation’s promise to those who served. “Veterans have earned every bit of the care this bill provides, and fully funding their medical care is a victory we must celebrate,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “For veterans in Eastern Washington, reliable transportation to VA facilities isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline. By boosting support for the Volunteer Transportation Network, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure our heroes get the care they deserve, when they need it most.” To read the letter Congressman Baumgartner wrote to the House Appropriations Committee advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Volunteer Transportation Network, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-honors-service-hiring-veteran-gold-star-family-member-or-active,"Baumgartner Honors Service by Hiring Veteran, Gold Star Family Member, or Active-Duty Spouse for Congressional Aide Role",2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) is currently seeking qualified candidates for a two-year, full-time paid position through the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program. This important role will focus on supporting military members and their families by managing veteran-related casework and serving as a vital liaison between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies. The Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for veterans. The position is based in Congressman Baumgartner’s Spokane district office. However, applicants residing anywhere within Washington state’s 5th Congressional District are encouraged to apply. “This program offers a unique opportunity to serve the veterans and military families of Eastern Washington while gaining invaluable experience working with government agencies,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “I encourage all eligible veterans, Gold Star family members, and active-duty spouses to consider applying.” “We must ensure our veterans and their families are receiving the services and benefits they deserve. The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program provides critical employment opportunities within the U.S. House of Representatives to better support our veterans and their families,” said Congressman Bryan Steil, Chairman of the House Committee on House Administration. “As Rep. Baumgartner continues to provide assistance to veterans in Washington’s 5th district, this aide will provide a great service to the residents of Eastern Washington.” Eligibility Requirements: Veterans must meet all the following criteria: Honorably discharged; Released from active duty within the last six years; Pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2; Veterans promoted to E-6, O-4, or W-3 within six months of separation are eligible if all other criteria are met; Veterans receiving 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible. Gold Star Family Members must be a surviving child (including stepchild), spouse, parent, or sibling of: A service member who died in the line of duty (including reserves and National Guard), unless due to willful misconduct; or A veteran with an Honorable Discharge who died from a service-connected disability within four years of separation. Active-Duty Spouses must be the spouse of a full-time active-duty service member. Please note that spouses of Title X mobilized service members are not eligible.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-fully-fund-va-veterans-services,"Newhouse Votes to Fully Fund VA, Veterans Services",2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives. ""Our veterans represent the best of us as Americans. My colleagues and I are keeping our promise to support the brave men and women who have served our country. We owe them a strong VA for health care, mental health services, and resources needed to end veteran homelessness,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""We also make strategic investments into our military infrastructure and provide critical funding to the Indo-Pacific region to counter the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party."" ""I thank Subcommittee Chairman Carter and Full Committee Chairman Cole for their leadership as we continue to provide resources for our veterans through the Appropriations Committee."" The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $152.091 billion, which is nearly $5 billion (3%) above the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill includes critical investments in military infrastructure that support readiness and the military families that utilize them. In addition, the bill provides $300 billion for mandatory programs, for a total of $453 billion in overall funding. Department of Veterans Affairs Provides $452.64 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $82.6 billion above the FY25 enacted level. Fully funds veterans’ medical care at $131.4 billion, which is equal to the FY26 Budget Request. Fully funds veterans’ benefits and toxic exposures-related needs for FY26. $52.67 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF). Includes $970 for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness. Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing) Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing, which is $480 million above the FY25 enacted level. $75 million above the enacted level for planning and design of future barracks to address barrack deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office. $110 million above the enacted level for construction improvements in DoD laboratories, supporting United States technological superiority and DoD innovation. $75 million above the enacted level for the demolition of excess and obsolete infrastructure, saving taxpayers money and lowering long-term facility maintenance costs at DoD. Continues robust prior year funding of the INDOPACOM minor military construction program and increases funding for INDOPACOM planning and design. Continues support for the Guard and Reserve with over $1.2 billion for Guard and Reserve facility construction. $2 billion for Military Family Housing. $75 million above the enacted level for child development centers to improve the quality of life of military families. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-leads-bicameral-push-keep-spokane-niosh-research-facility-open,Baumgartner Leads Bicameral Push to Keep Spokane NIOSH Research Facility Open,2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) led a bicameral oversight letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the Trump administration to preserve the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Spokane Research Laboratory (NIOSH SRL). The letter, sent on June 18, 2025, marks the third oversight effort Congressman Baumgartner has led to protect critical federal research infrastructure in the West. The letter was co-signed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jim Risch (R-ID), along with Representatives Cliff Bentz (OR-2), Dan Newhouse (WA-4), and Mike Simpson (ID-2), demonstrating strong regional support for maintaining the lab’s mission in support of western workers and industries. “NIOSH’s Spokane lab is the backbone of innovation and safety in the hardrock mining industry for the Western United States,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Shutting it down, without a plan to reassign its vital research, would be a mistake and a disservice to the Trump administration’s America First energy and mineral strategy.” The lawmakers raised concerns over reports that the NIOSH SRL facility is facing closure, with no reassignment of its research responsibilities to other federal agencies. The letter emphasizes the lab’s essential role in supporting metal and non-metal mining operations—industries critical to the economies of the western United States and to our national security. They also note that while staff have reportedly been reassigned to facilities in the eastern U.S., particularly West Virginia, no such plans were made for the Spokane lab. Mining industry leaders have echoed these concerns, underscoring the SRL’s reputation as a trusted and independent source of research and safety innovation in a sector that cannot afford to cut corners. “The SRL is one of the lowest-cost laboratories NIOSH operates,” the letter states. “We fully support President Trump’s efforts to streamline government and eliminate waste,” said Baumgartner. “But eliminating a low-cost, high-impact lab like this one goes against that goal.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-secures-key-funding-agriculture-appropriations-bill,Newhouse Secures Key Funding in Agriculture Appropriations Bill,2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. ""The Appropriations Committee has delivered on House Republicans’ commitment to strengthen the agriculture industry while getting our fiscal house in order,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, ""By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), we can combat the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to acquire critical American farmland. The legislation provides funding for key agriculture research programs that support innovation in our specialty crop industries in Central Washington. In pursuit of fiscal responsibility, the legislation passed out of committee today reins in spending in areas we can afford while providing producers the resources they need to be successful and competitive across the agriculture industry."" ""I am also proud to announce funding in this legislation for several projects in Washington’s Fourth District including Astria Toppenish’s Emergency Department, medical staff living spaces at Coulee Medical Center, the expansion of surgical services at Skyline Health, and resources to help finish the new Toppenish Police Department."" The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion, which is $1.163 billion (4.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs. Below are projects in Washington's Fourth Congressional District Rep. Newhouse secured funding for in this legislation. Astria Toppenish Hospital Amount: $1,512,000 Description: The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year. Coulee Medical Center Amount: $3,020,475 Description: To ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently. Skyline Health Amount: $3,000,000 Description: As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services. Toppenish Police Department Amount: $500,000 Description: Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The City has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. The total cost for the purchase and renovation of this building is estimated at $2.5 million. The City is seeking $500,000 in funding to complete the necessary interior and exterior renovations to bring the precinct online. The completion of this project will not only create a more effective Police Department but also help reduce the City's annual operating deficit. The current temporary building costs the City $15,000 per month, further straining the budget. By moving to a permanent facility, the City can allocate resources more efficiently and improve public safety. Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-secure-border-homeland-security-appropriations-bill,Newhouse Votes to Secure the Border in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill,2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. ""Border security is national security, and today my colleagues and I on the Appropriations committee passed strong government funding legislation that reflects that belief,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""I am proud of the work we have done in securing critical investments for a secure border, fighting fentanyl as smugglers attempt to poison our communities, and boosting our cybersecurity capabilities to combat growing threats. This legislation refocuses the Department of Homeland Security on its fundamental mission: ensuring the safety of Americans and secure national borders."" ""I was also able to secure funding for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management to help open a fully operational Emergency Operation Center in Yakima County. This center will deliver rapid, coordinated responses to natural disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and severe weather that impact Central Washington every year."" The Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $66.36 billion. The defense portion of the allocation is $3.29 billion, which is $41 million (1.22%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The non-defense portion of the allocation is $63.08 billion, which is $1.37 billion (2.05%) above the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill includes $6.3 billion in discretionary appropriations that are offset by fee collections and $26.47 billion as an allocation adjustment for major disaster response and recovery activities. Rep. Newhouse secured the following project funding in this legislation for Washington's Fourth Congressional District. Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management Amount: $1,953,000 Description: Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will transform an existing facility into a dedicated, fully operational 3,866 square-foot Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Yakima County, Washington, the second-largest county in the State. Residents span 4,311 square miles and well-coordinated emergency response efforts are critical for the protection of life and property. Yakima County is vulnerable to wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, and severe weather events, all of which demand rapid and coordinated emergency response. Recent emergencies, including the Retreat fire and Rattlesnake Ridge Landslide, have demonstrated the challenges of operating with inadequate space. Emergency responders were delayed in their ability to coordinate and execute timely responses because a multipurpose training room that is shared by multiple agencies is temporarily repurposed as an ad hoc EOC, a process takes several hours to a day. These makeshift conditions will be eliminated with a dedicated EOC to serve as the central hub for coordinating emergency response efforts. The proposed EOC will provide a comprehensive range of services to support emergency management efforts, including real-time incident coordination, advanced communication systems, data analysis and situational awareness, public information dissemination, resource allocation and logistics support, training, and preparedness programs, and wildfire emergency response coordination. The establishment of a dedicated EOC in Yakima County is an urgent and necessary investment. The current reliance on repurposed spaces for emergency coordination is inefficient, costly, and unsustainable. A permanent EOC will allow emergency response coordination to begin immediately, minimize disaster impacts, and ultimately protect lives, property, and public well-being. Beyond strengthening the region’s emergency management capabilities, this investment will contribute to a safer and more resilient community for years to come. Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-applauds-withdrawal-dam-breaching-agreement,Baumgartner Applauds Withdrawal from Dam-Breaching Agreement,2025-06-13,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) today released a statement applauding President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2023 Columbia Basin salmon agreement, which laid the groundwork for breaching the four Lower Snake River dams. The now-rescinded agreement—negotiated in 2023 between federal agencies, Northwest tribes, the states of Washington and Oregon, and environmental groups—pledged over $1 billion for fish restoration, alternative energy studies, and plans to replace the dams’ critical benefits, including power generation, transportation, irrigation, and recreation. “I’m pleased to see President Trump withdraw from the 2023 salmon agreement that would have paved the way to tear down our local dams,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It was an act of extreme environmentalism by the last Administration that excluded critical stakeholders, sidelined Congress’ role, and should never have been signed by the federal government. “Protecting salmon is vital, but breaching the Lower Snake River dams is not the solution. These dams provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy to nearly a million homes, enable the transport of billions in agricultural goods, and already meet some of the highest standards for fish passage,” Baumgartner added. Let’s follow the science, invest in proven fish recovery efforts, and strengthen the hydropower backbone of our region—not tear it down.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-protests-spokane-last-night,Baumgartner Issues Statement on Protests in Spokane Last Night,2025-06-12,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the protests in downtown Spokane that transpired yesterday evening. “I have spoken with Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and other local government officials about last night's protests. I’d like to applaud our law enforcement’s timely response and effective use of restraint to not let the situation escalate. It is imperative that local government officials in Washington state work collaboratively with federal officials to enforce immigration laws. We need both secure borders and immigration reform. Peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution, but there is no excuse for violence or impeding law enforcement officials.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-commends-trump-action-lower-snake-river-dams,Newhouse Commends Trump Action on Lower Snake River Dams,2025-06-12,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on President Donald Trump's memorandum revoking the Biden administration's executive actions targeting the Lower Snake River dams. ""Throughout my time in Congress, I have stood firm in my support for the Lower Snake River Dams and the critical role they play in our region’s economy,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Today’s action by President Trump reverses the efforts by the Biden administration and extreme environmental activists to remove the dams, which would have threatened the reliability of our power grid, raised energy prices, and decimated our ability to export grain to foreign markets. I want to thank the President for his decisive action to protect our dams, and I look forward to continuing to work with the administration for the benefit of the Fourth District."" The Memorandum signed today revokes the Biden Administration’s “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin” Memorandum. This Memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to withdraw from agreements stemming from Biden’s misguided executive action, including the December 14, 2023, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) filed in connection with related litigation. The specified agencies will coordinate with the Council on Environmental Quality to review and revise environmental review processes related to the matters in the MOU, save federal funds, and withdraw from the MOU. See the full announcement here. Background During his tenure in Congress, Newhouse has led the charge in combating efforts to breach the four Lower Snake River dams. In March of this year, Newhouse led a coalition of lawmakers from the Pacific Northwest, backed by regional stakeholders, in introducing a package of legislation to protect the Lower Snake River dams and strengthen hydropower as a reliable, affordable source of base load energy. In January of this year, Newhouse and Senator Jim Risch of Idaho introduced the Northwest Energy Security Actto require the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Lower Snake River dams remain operational and continue to support the region’s energy needs. In October 2024, Newhouse criticized the Biden administration for wasting taxpayer dollars on more studies to find ways to replace the energy produced by the dams. In June 2024, Newhouse opposed the Biden administration's creation of a politically motivated Columbia River Taskforce, made up only of administration officials, to find ways to breach the dams. In March 2024, Newhouse called out Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a hearing for refusing to acknowledge the long-term implications of the Columbia River Systems Operation Agreement are a de-facto breach of the Snake River Dams. In December 2023, Newhouse slammed the Biden administration's announcement of a package of actions and commitments in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation. In September 2023, Newhouse led a letter to then-Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallary addressing the lack of public and stakeholder input throughout the mediation process of the four Lower Snake River dams. In June 2023, Newhouse hosted the House Natural Resources Committee for a field hearing in Pasco, Washington on the importance of protecting the dams on the Snake River. In August 2022, Newhouse held a rally with over 100 community members from the Tri-Cities in Howard Amon Park to show support for the Lower Snake River Dams. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-baumgartner-gives-speech-congratulating-high-school-athlete-lauren,"ICYMI: Baumgartner Gives Speech Congratulating High School Athlete Lauren Matthew on House Floor, Calls for Fairness in Women’s Sports",2025-06-11,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- In case you missed it, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), recognized Lauren Matthew of West Valley High School in Spokane,WA as the rightful winner of the Class 2A girls’ 400-meter dash at the Washington state championships. This comes after a transgender athlete claimed the girls’ 400-meter state title for the second year in a row—an outcome Baumgartner called “unfair and deeply troubling,” in his speech. “Lauren Matthew’s strength, discipline, and determination represent everything we want to see in young athletes,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “She ran with heart and earned her place as a champion. Everybody deserves dignity and respect—but fairness matters, too. As a father of daughters, I believe every young woman deserves the chance to compete on a level playing field and have her hard work honored. This isn’t just about one race—it’s about standing up for the integrity of women’s sports and recognizing the commitment these athletes bring to the track every day.” Baumgartner emphasized that protecting the integrity of women’s sports is common sense and a unifying issue for many Americans. He expressed support for President Trump’s executive order, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, but noted that Washington state laws still permit athletes to compete based on gender identity, not biological sex.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-slams-ncaa-settlement-calls-trump-save-college-sports,"Baumgartner Slams NCAA Settlement, Calls on Trump to Save College Sports",2025-06-09,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Chair of the Congressional College Sports Caucus, issued the following statement, following the announcement that a final settlement agreement has been reached in the House v. NCAA litigation. “The House settlement locks in an unsustainable model that enriches the power conferences at the expense of everyone else — walk-ons, women’s teams, Olympic sports,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “And just like Teddy Roosevelt saved college football in 1905, President Trump can step in to save college sports today. My RESTORE Act is the roadmap, with fair revenue-sharing, rationalized conferences, and reasonable student compensation.” The House settlement answers some legal questions around athlete compensation — but locks in a model that is financially unsustainable and unfair. The inclusion of hard roster caps — jammed into the settlement late at the urging of the NCAA and power conferences — has nothing to do with NIL rights. These limits weren’t necessary to resolve the lawsuit. They’re about locking out opportunities to lock in profits. Background: Judge Wilken deserves credit for insisting that current athletes — and now even incoming freshmen — not lose their roster spots overnight. That’s a win for fairness. But make no mistake: this settlement doesn’t fix college sports. It codifies a system that will hurt walk-ons, squeeze Olympic sports, and hollow out Title IX-compliant women’s teams — all to benefit a few power programs and television executives. In 1905, college football was on the brink until President Theodore Roosevelt stepped in. He understood that leadership matters. President Trump is uniquely positioned to do the same. He knows how to disrupt broken systems and restore competitive balance. The president should move forward with executive action to save college sports. Baumgartner’s Restore College Sports Act offers a blueprint: Rebuild regional rivalries and cut travel costs, Structure fair revenue-sharing across sports and schools, Protect opportunities for walk-ons and Olympic athletes, Deliver compensation for students without destroying what makes college sports great. This settlement may close a lawsuit — but it opens a much larger crisis. We don’t need more litigation. We need leadership. Read the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-aerial-firefighter-legislation,Newhouse Applauds Passage of Aerial Firefighter Legislation,2025-06-03,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement upon unanimous passage of S.160, the Aerial Firefighter Enhancement Act of 2025 that strengthens aerial wildfire suppression efforts by utilizing excess military aircraft and parts. ""This legislation is a huge step in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and gives our firefighters the tools they need to keep our communities safe,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Utilizing the Department of Defense’s excess aircraft gives aerial firefighters an upper hand while leveraging the assets we already have at our disposal. I thank Senator Sheehy from Montana for his leadership as we send this legislation to the president’s desk."" Rep. Newhouse introduced the bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives alongside Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) in February. The version passed today was sponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and was passed by the Senate in April under Unanimous Consent. The legislation now heads to the White House to be signed by President Trump. ""This year is the most dangerous and expensive wildfire year in history, and the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. Eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to fight wildfires more quickly and aggressively is America First common sense, and I appreciate my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill cross the finish line so we can better support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,"" said Senator Sheehy. The legislation is supported by 10 Tanker Air Carrier, Billings Flying Service, and Firehawk Helicopters. Joel Kerley, President and CEO, 10 Tanker Air Carrier said ""10 Tanker Air Carrier supports and thanks the bipartisan efforts of Congress to help the many operators involved with aerial firefighting to purchase at fair market value excess, retired military spare parts, particularly desperately needed engines and brakes. This commonsense approach will ensure that our aging fleet will remain available to the United States to battle the devastating wildland fires of today and well into the future. We are pleased that the Department of Defense and the Air Force also support the national security mission of companies like ours."" Bridger Blain, President, Billings Flying Service said, ""Billings Flying Service is grateful to Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Newhouse for their leadership in introducing the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025. As an operator providing aerial wildfire suppression services across the United States, maintaining BFS fleet readiness is ever so critical to our mission. This Act opens up direct access to U.S. Armed Forces surplus parts, allowing operators to keep their aircraft in the air and deployed on life-saving missions. We are proud of the advancements Congress has made in protecting the sustainment of aerial wildfire resources, and we look forward to the Aerial Firefighter Enhancement Act becoming law."" Bart Brainerd, CEO, Firehawk Helicopters said, ""Firehawk Helicopters is encouraged by the passing of the Aerial Firefighting and Enhancement Act and would like to thank Rep. Newhouse, Rep. Carbajal, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Martin Heinrich for leading the efforts in seeing this bill passed. Since 2017 the aerial firefighting community has lost access to a critical aircraft and parts supply source. Taxpayers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as valuable aircraft and aircraft parts were no longer made available for commercial sale. The law will save these critical aircraft and parts from being scrapped. By making these aircraft and parts available for commercial sale again, the taxpayers will reap the maximum return on their original investment, but more importantly, see these aircraft and parts utilized in a second life that prioritizes the protection of the public from the growing threat of devastating wildfires."" Background The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. This bipartisan bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet. The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardants or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-demands-accountability-regional-epa-office,Newhouse Demands Accountability in Regional EPA Office,2025-06-02,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting an investigation into communications between anti-agriculture activist organizations and federal civil service employees. ""I am writing today to request you investigate collaboration between environmental activist groups and career staff that has appeared to permeate throughout the Region 10 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office in Seattle, Washington,"" Rep. Newhouse wrote. ""The purpose of the federal government is to provide Americans with essential services, including navigating the complex regulatory burden placed on farmers. This coordination is appalling and should be investigated; if career staff did in fact coordinate with activists to target farmers, then those staff are not worthy of a taxpayer-funded salary."" Earlier this year, the Cow Palace dairy in Yakima County, Washington, closed its doors after years of litigation from the EPA. This follows the closure of Liberty Dairy, also in Yakima County, in the fall of 2024. Dan Wood, Executive Director, Washington State Dairy Federation, said ""We appreciate efforts by Rep. Newhouse to bring appropriate review of years-long suspect behavior by certain EPA staff. Activists, their attorneys, EPA staff, and DOJ staff have been coordinating together to drive animal agriculture out of business. They have changed science reports, coordinated legal strategies, and hidden public documents. This sort of waste, fraud, and abuse needs to be brought to light and ended. Government at all levels must act with integrity, work within the bounds of laws for accountability, and refrain from carrying activist agendas."" Ben Tindall, Executive Director, Save Family Farming, said ""Washington state’s farmers have waited far too long for accountability from the EPA. While rogue officials in Region 10 have run unchecked, family farms and rural communities—especially in Central Washington—have suffered real and lasting harm. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse for raising this issue directly to the top leadership in Washington DC. His efforts are an important step toward exposing and ending the abuse of power that has gone on for years behind closed doors."" Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-hails-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-major-win-eastern-washington,"Baumgartner Hails 'One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Act' as Major Win for Eastern Washington",2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) issued the following statement on the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Act. “This bill delivers the largest tax cut in American history, saving the average American $5,000 a year and cutting taxes by 15% for working families,” said Congressman Baumgartner. In Eastern Washington, it protects 467,500 taxpayers from a looming 25% tax hike and increases funding for much needed technology to bolster border security. It’s not a silver bullet for D.C.’s $7 trillion spending problem, but it’s a strong start, and a major win for Eastern Washington.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-responds-deadly-attack-israeli-embassy-staff,Baumgartner Responds to Deadly Attack on Israeli Embassy Staff,2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the brutal attack near the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two members of the Israeli Embassy “I’m deeply saddened by the brutal attack near the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two members of the Israeli Embassy,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This was a deliberate, antisemitic act of violence targeting our allies and the principles we stand for. We grieve the loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, and my heart goes out to their families and all who knew them. We will not rest until those responsible are found and held fully accountable. “",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-restore-fiscal-sanity-federal-government,Newhouse Votes to Restore Fiscal Sanity in the Federal Government,2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. “House Republicans have delivered on our commitment to permanently extend tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government. One of my top priorities throughout this process has been maintaining investments in nuclear energy to keep energy prices low throughout our region. Central Washington is home to a rich nuclear history, and I am proud to have led the fight to ensure our tax code allows for continued investments in our nuclear fleet, including the small modular reactor project in the Tri-Cities. We have made real, common-sense reforms to strengthen the integrity of Medicaid, protecting the program for low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities. By implementing work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents, and preventing those here illegally from accessing the program, we are protecting Medicaid for those who truly need it most. As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to support meaningful reforms to SNAP while investing in the farm safety net to deliver much needed assistance to rural America. This package more than doubles our trade promotion programs to allow Washington state agriculture exports to reach new markets around the globe. This legislation supports families and businesses across Central Washington by delivering over $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction to get our fiscal house in order. There is still work to be done, and as this legislation moves to the Senate, I will continue to advocate for the people of Washington’s Fourth District, protect essential services for those who truly need them, and keep taxes low for the middle class and small businesses in our region.” Background: House Republicans passed a budget resolution in April with instructions for committees to produce legislation that provides tax relief for working families and small businesses, reins in reckless federal spending, unleashes energy dominance, and makes America safe again. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers on those priorities in a fiscally responsible manner, with the final net deficit reduction number above $1.5 trillion, marking the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years. These savings will begin immediately, with $111.8 billion in net deficit reduction in the first year after enactment. The legislation: Delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business: Makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, preventing the average taxpayer from seeing a 22% tax hike. Removes taxes on tips, overtime pay, car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors. Supports small businesses and Made-in-America investments through immediate 100 percent expensing, incentives for new manufacturing facilities, research and development immediate amortization, and interest expense deductions. Provides over $140 billion – the largest border security investment in history – to secure our borders and keep Americans safe: Allows for the completion of 701 miles of primary wall and construction of 900 miles of river barriers. Funds at least one million annual removals, 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, and detention capacity sufficient to maintain an average daily population of at least 100,000 aliens. Supports the hiring and training of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new Office of Field Operations customs officers, and other urgently needed personnel. Restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring states to shoulder a share of the benefit costs, preventing states from manipulating SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations, and restoring SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without young dependents. Strengthens Medicaid for Americans who truly need it, while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse: Establishes commonsense work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and stops new money laundering gimmicks like provider taxes and State Directed Payments. Strengthens program integrity measures that protect Medicaid resources for the most vulnerable. Closes loopholes that let illegal immigrants enroll in Medicaid and reduces funding to states that prioritize Medicaid coverage of illegal immigrants. Unleashes American energy dominance, ensuring affordable energy for families and creating jobs across the country: Allows advanced nuclear facilities to utilize the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credit (48E) while phasing out the credits for wind and solar and maintains the Nuclear Production Tax Credit (45U) through 2028. Reinstates quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales and mandates at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America over the next 15 years and six in the Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska. Resumes leasing for energy production in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and coal leasing on federal lands. Streamlines the permitting process for energy infrastructure. Makes major reforms to streamline student loan options, support student success, and save taxpayer money. Invests nearly $144 billion to modernize our military and strengthen national defense. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-renews-call-reopen-niosh-spokane-lab-citing-successful-reversal,"Baumgartner Renews Call to Reopen NIOSH Spokane Lab, Citing Successful Reversal in West Virginia",2025-05-20,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asking him to reconsider the recent closure of the NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory—a facility long regarded as a national leader in mining and occupational safety research. This renewed outreach follows a previous letter from Baumgartner in April, reflecting ongoing concern over the decision’s long-term impact on worker safety and domestic resource production in Washington and across the western United States. “I understand and support the broader effort to make government operations more efficient,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “However, that effort should not come at the expense of worker safety or the loss of essential research capacity. The work conducted at the Spokane Lab plays an important role in protecting workers and advancing our national priorities.” In his letter to Secretary Kennedy, Baumgartner referenced the recent reopening of the NIOSH Morgantown facility in West Virginia, which had similarly been closed and subjected to a reduction-in-force (RIF). Baumgartner is hopeful Secretary Kennedy will reopen the NIOSH Spokane Facility. Baumgartner also cited President Trump’s March 20th Executive Order, which emphasizes the importance of domestic mineral production for national security. He underscored that shuttering a facility like Spokane’s, which contributes directly to the safe and efficient development of domestic resources, runs counter to that directive. You can find Baumgartner’s letter from April 14, 2025 here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-responds-us-department-commerces-decision-spokane-tech-hub-funding,Baumgartner Responds to U.S. Department of Commerce’s Decision on Spokane Tech Hub Funding Opportunity,2025-05-16,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) issued the following statement regarding the Department of Commerce’s decision not to move forward with a planned award to the Spokane Tech Hub. “Today’s decision by the Commerce Department to re-compete Tech Hub grants is disappointing. The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) isn’t closing today—but this delay, which could stretch a year or more, puts the entire effort at unnecessary and potentially irreversible risk,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “The Department is walking away from a selection process it has already completed, undermining the work of more than 50 committed local, academic, federal, and industry partners who stepped up in good faith,” Baumgartner continued. “That said, if the Department insists on re-competing these funds, Spokane will be ready. The AAMMC offers unmatched capabilities in aerospace materials, backed by the strength of institutions like Fairchild Air Force Base, Gonzaga, Eastern, and Whitworth. I will fight to ensure this process is fair and transparent,” he added.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-subramanyam-lead-bipartisan-legislation-supporting-agritourism,"Newhouse, Subramanyam Lead Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Agritourism",2025-05-16,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) introduced the bipartisan Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act to create an Office of Agritourism at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ""Agritourism is a huge industry in Central Washington, with world-class breweries, wineries, and farmers markets attracting thousands of visitors every year,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""This legislation gives our local agritourism industries a voice in D.C. and elevates the challenges, and successes, of the industry to the federal level. I commend Rep. Subramanyam for spearheading this effort in support of our local economies."" ""Agritourism is a booming industry and critical to our local economy,"" said Rep. Subramanyam. ""Farmers across Virginia would benefit from streamlined access to resources, which is why I’m introducing the AGRITOURISM Act to establish a dedicated Office of Agritourism within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure that our local farmers and ranchers have everything they need to be successful."" The legislation is supported by the Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the Brewers Association, and the American Craft Spirits Association. The office will represent the interests of agritourism businesses in federal policymaking and consolidate federal resources to sustain agritourism businesses, such as loans, grants, and broadband connectivity programs. Agritourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the country and has become the lifeblood of many rural local economies. Between 2002 and 2022, income from agritourism businesses rose from $202 million to $1.2 billion. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-republican-colleagues-issue-joint-statement-clean-energy-tax,"Newhouse, Republican Colleagues Issue Joint Statement on Clean Energy Tax Credits",2025-05-14,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) in issuing a joint statement regarding the clean energy tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. ""We commend the Ways and Means Committee for including reasonable phase-out schedules for certain clean energy tax credits. While many of these provisions reflect a commitment to American energy dominance through an all-of-the-above energy strategy, we must ensure certainty for current and future energy investments to meet the nation’s growing power demand and protect our constituents from higher energy costs. To fully realize the intent of these phase-out schedules, we ask House leadership to consider three thoughtful changes to the energy tax credits section. First, the Foreign Entity of Concern provisions are overly prescriptive and risk undermining U.S. competitiveness—particularly against China—by restricting domestic energy production. These provisions should be revised to allow companies additional time to reorganize their supply chains, ensuring a strategic and successful transition. Second, the current “placed in service” standard does not align with the Committee’s thoughtful phase-out schedule. Replacing it with a “start construction” standard is essential to supporting the energy development needed to meet the growing power demand and protect thousands of high-quality American jobs in communities across the country. Finally, the transferability of energy tax credits should remain available throughout the entire phase-out period established by the Committee, providing businesses with the flexibility necessary to make long-term investments in American energy. We appreciate the Ways and Means Committee putting America first by investing in American energy dominance, but the last thing any of us want is to provoke an energy crisis or cause higher energy bills for working families. We urge the Committee to consider these important changes in this critical part of our One Big Beautiful Bill."" This was first reported today as an exclusive by POLITICO. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-house-agriculture-committee-advancing-reconciliation,Newhouse Statement on House Agriculture Committee Advancing Reconciliation Legislation,2025-05-14,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting to advance the House Agriculture Committee’s portion of the One, Big, Beautiful bill with a 29-25 vote. ""My colleagues and I on the House Agriculture Committee have delivered common-sense reforms to SNAP and critical pieces of the Farm Bill in this legislation,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""When enacted, our portion of the reconciliation package will rein in out-of-control spending and make unprecedented strides in reducing the deficit. Expanding our foreign market access programs has been a top priority of mine, and I am proud that our bill delivers farmers and ranchers the important resources needed to compete in global markets. I thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership as we continue to work hard for the American agriculture industry."" This Friday, May 16, the House Budget Committee is scheduled hold a markup of the full reconciliation package with the Agriculture Committee's legislation included. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-introduces-resolution-prevent-iran-acquiring-nuclear-weapons,Baumgartner Introduces Resolution to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons,2025-05-13,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced H.Res 398 on May 8, 2025, declaring it the policy of the United States to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of fully dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program, strengthening deterrence, and establishing Congressional oversight. “Deterrence against Iran's nuclear ambitions requires leveraging our regional partnerships and affirming Congress’s critical oversight role, especially regarding the authorization of force,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This resolution sets a firm strategic foundation for America's enduring leadership and security commitments in the Middle East."" This week, President Trump is embarking on a critical visit to the Middle East, a region marked by both significant opportunities and substantial risks. As the U.S. seeks to strengthen its partnerships throughout the Gulf, it is essential to recognize that American leadership must be built on sustained, strategic engagement, not isolated agreements or unrealistic expectations of sweeping deals. You can find the resolution text here. ICYMI: Baumgartner penned an op-ed in the National Review published on May 5, 2025, teasing H.Res 398, and argues that U.S. leadership in the Middle East can’t be built on one-off deals or delusions of grand bargains.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-strengthening-us-seaports,Newhouse Introduces Legislation Strengthening U.S. Seaports,2025-05-13,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to close a loophole exploited by foreign shippers who circumvent United States seaports and divert cargo to ports in Canada and Mexico to avoid paying the U.S. harbor maintenance tax (HMT). ""We have an opportunity to expand the United States’ position as a leader in global trade, and we can only achieve that by strengthening and modernizing our port infrastructure."" said Rep. Newhouse. ""Foreign shippers have been circumventing U.S. seaports, especially on the west coast, in order to avoid paying the harbor maintenance tax, resulting in a depleted maintenance fund. My legislation eliminates this costly loophole, ensures foreign shippers are paying their fair share, and strengthens our seaport infrastructure to deliver goods to consumers more efficiently."" The legislation is supported by the Northwest Seaport Alliance and SSA Marine. Toshiko Hasegawa, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President, said, ""For decades, the Harbor Maintenance Tax has created a competitive disadvantage for U.S. ports like Seattle and Tacoma to other ports in North America. We are deeply grateful for Congressman Newhouse’s leadership in championing this issue and introducing this legislation to level the playing field by eliminating the incentive to divert U.S.-bound cargo through non-U.S. ports."" John McCarthy, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President, said, ""Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, and maintaining the NWSA’s position as a competitive, top-tier cargo gateway is critical to providing market access to agricultural producers. We thank Congressman Newhouse for working to uphold a strong, competitive supply chain by ensuring taxes are applied fairly to all US-bound cargo regardless of port of entry."" Uffe Ostergaard, CEO of Carrix, said, ""For over 30 years, Pacific Northwest ports have been disadvantaged by the Harbor Maintenance Tax, which has made these U.S. ports less competitive and has driven cargo volumes to alternative gateways. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse for his leadership on this critical legislation to provide a more level playing field, support U.S. jobs, and bolster key export communities in Washington State."" The fee would be 0.125% of the value, equal to the HMT, of U.S.-bound cargo that is discharged from an ocean-going vessel in Canada or Mexico and subsequently enters the U.S. The HMT is an ad valorem tax that funds Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) activities to maintain U.S. seaports. U.S.-bound cargo from overseas trading partners that arrives at Canadian or Mexican ports and then enters the U.S. is not subject to paying the HMT. The U.S. Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund lost nearly $600 million in revenue over the last ten years due to the $466 billion in imports that avoided the HMT by moving through a Canadian or Mexican seaport before entering the U.S. Bringing these circumvented imports back to U.S. ports is critical for USACE’s duty to keep America’s harbors and rivers maintained and support economic growth. Earlier this year, the Congressman visited the Port of Seattle and saw firsthand the impact circumvented cargo has on port operations. See full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-winners-2025-congressional-art-competition,Newhouse Announces Winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,2025-05-12,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Washington’s 4th Congressional District. ""I’m pleased to extend my congratulations to Jackeline Arellano of A.C. Davis High School on her winning entry, “Dew Drops of Life,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""I look forward to seeing it displayed in our nation’s capital for visitors from across the country to enjoy. I would also like to recognize and thank all the gifted students from Central Washington who contributed their artwork this year."" The winning entry, Dew Drops of Life by Jackeline Arellano, will be hung in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country for one year. The winner will be invited to visit Washington, D.C. to attend a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute, who hosts the annual competition. Rep. Newhouse has invited the second and third place winners, Ivette Valencia Montes (Whispers of the Cascades) of A.C. Davis High School and Ruby Meza-Yanez (The Three Amigos) of A.C Davis High School, to hang their art in the Yakima District Office. The winning entries can be found below, and you can view all of the 2024 submissions here. Winner: Dew Drops of Life, Jackeline Arellano, 12th grade, Davis High School Second Place: Whispers of the Cascades, Ivette Valencia Montes, 12th grade, A.C. Davis High School Third Place: The Three Amigos, Ruby Meza-Yanez, 11th grade, A.C. Davis High School ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-bipartisan-coalition-introduce-farm-workforce-modernization,"Newhouse, Bipartisan Coalition Introduce Farm Workforce Modernization Act",2025-05-07,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) reintroduced the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to reform the H-2A visa program and establish a strong, legal immigration workforce for agricultural producers. ""The workforce crisis has come to a boiling point for farmers across the country,"" said Rep. Dan Newhouse. ""Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program. This legislation is necessary to lay the groundwork for continued negotiations, and I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to enact long-term, durable reforms to our agriculture guest worker programs. This issue has been, and remains, my top priority and unified Republican government is an opportunity to deliver for our farmers and ranchers."" ""The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,"" said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. ""As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President’s desk."" Newhouse and Lofgren were joined by Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jim Costa (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Adam Gray (D-CA) in introducing the legislation. ""The workforce crisis is the most important issue facing agriculture in our country,"" said Rep. Mike Simpson. ""Supporting American agriculture means providing a stable, reliable, and legal workforce, and this legislative solution addresses one of the most pressing concerns our farmers and ranchers face. Now that we finally have an administration taking the border crisis seriously, Congress must address this issue and enact necessary reforms. It is well past time we solve this problem. I look forward to working with my colleagues and getting this critical legislation across the finish line to President Trump's desk for his signature."" ""American agriculture depends on a reliable workforce and nowhere is that more true than in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. This legislation is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that provides stability for our farmers and dignity for the workers who feed America. If President Trump is serious about fixing our broken immigration system, he should work with us to get this bill across the finish line,"" said Rep. Jim Costa. ""Central Valley farmers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry, but they continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce,"" said Rep. David Valadao. ""The current H-2A program doesn’t meet the labor needs of many producers, but the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a positive step to addressing our agriculture workforce needs and securing our food supply chain. Food security is national security, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term solutions that support our farmers and strengthen our food supply chain."" ""Farm workers and the larger agricultural community are the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy,"" said Rep. Adam Gray. ""Labor shortages on our farms could lead to higher food prices across the country and the Valley cannot afford to be shorthanded. This commonsense bipartisan bill would stabilize our vital workforce and make sure Valley farmers can continue to feed families across the country."" The legislation passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses. Click here for a two-page summary of the bill. Click here for a section-by-section outline of the bill. Click here for the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-commends-uw-and-law-enforcement-swift-response-dangerous-building,Baumgartner Commends UW and Law Enforcement for Swift Response to Dangerous Building Occupation,2025-05-06,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,WA,Michael Baumgartner,B001322,baumgartner.house.gov,baumgartner,https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement in response to the University of Washington’s handling of the unlawful occupation of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building Monday evening: “I want to commend the University of Washington, UW Police, and the multiple law enforcement agencies involved for their swift, coordinated, and professional response to a deeply troubling and dangerous situation on campus,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “What occurred Monday night was not a peaceful protest—it was criminal activity. The unlawful occupation of university property, the use of fire, the obstruction of public streets, and the intimidation of others reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law, public safety, and the values of civil discourse.” Baumgartner added, “There is no place for hate—especially antisemitism—on our campuses or anywhere in our society. UW was right to make clear it will not be intimidated by destructive and bigoted behavior. This is a critical moment for our institutions to stand firm. When laws are broken and hate is expressed, there must be consequences. Washingtonians deserve to know that our campuses are safe, secure, and guided by principle.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z