Congressman Michael Baumgartner has voted in favor of three appropriations bills aimed at providing targeted funding for Eastern Washington. The bills, which cover Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), Energy and Water, and Interior and Environment, are designed to support national defense, law enforcement efforts against illegal drugs, access to critical minerals, and wildland firefighting resources.
Baumgartner secured several funding allocations for local projects through the CJS and Interior and Environment Appropriations bills. These include $1,772,970 for upgrading jail facilities in Adams County. Additional funds from the Interior and Environment bill will go to water infrastructure projects: $1 million for wastewater treatment improvements in Palouse; $750,000 for sewer system upgrades in Ritzville; $1 million for a water storage project in College Place; $934,965 for a water tank replacement in Republic; and $750,000 for storage capacity improvements in Springdale.
“Eastern Washington sent me to Congress to tighten the belt in DC and deliver real results back home, and this package does both,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “These bills find $2 billion in savings, while still investing in safer communities, stronger water systems, and more reliable infrastructure in places like Adams County, Palouse, Ritzville, College Place, Republic, and Springdale. That is what a conservative, taxpayer-first approach to governing looks like, and it is squarely aligned with President Trump’s agenda to deliver for American families and communities.”
The appropriations package is reported to be nearly $2 billion below the spending level allowed under the current continuing resolution. By passing these full-year funding bills at the start of 2026, Congress aims to return to regular order.
The legislation must now pass the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.