Issues and Goals
I am a Republican and a conservative. It is how I was raised—here in Eastern Washington—and it’s what I believe is best for my family and our country. This means I favor individual liberty, respect the Constitution, believe in free enterprise solutions and cherish the values and traditions that built America: a can-do attitude as well as love of family and country.
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During my first term in Congress, I have worked hard to represent the people of Eastern Washington and reduce taxes, secure the border and protect election integrity. It stands in stark contrast to the actions of some Far Left politicians in Olympia who continue to raise taxes, mandate "sanctuary" cities, and reject election safeguards.
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Thomas Jefferson said, “the God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.” Benjamin Franklin said that the Founders bequeathed us a democratic Republic...“if you can keep it.” I will fight to keep it – for Eastern Washington, for our children and for generations to come – just as our forebears preserved it for us.
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Wins for Eastern
Washington
Spokane Valley
Secured $4 million to rebuild the Sullivan & Trent interchange to ease freight congestion.
Adams County
Secured $1.7 million for vital local jail upgrades to improve mental health services and officer safety.
Republic & Springdale:
Secured nearly $1.7 million to replace failing water storage tanks and ensure reliable water for rural families.
Airway Heights
Delivered $1.5 million to consolidate police, fire, and municipal court operations into a single Public Safety Campus.
Pullman & Whitman County
Funded research equipment for the new USDA Plant Biosciences facility, supporting our agricultural industry .
Stevens & Pend Oreille:
Funded a new fire station in Fruitland and modernization for the Port of Pend Oreillerail facility .
2025-2026: A Strong Record of Results
Border Security - Restoring Law & Order
Results: Under the Republican House majority, illegal border crossings have plummeted by 96% nationwide. We stopped the "catch and release" madness and fully funded the completion of the border wall.
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Action: Michael voted to fund the border wall and increased border patrol, and passed the Laken Riley Act to ensure that dangerous illegal criminals are off our streets for good.​
​​​Save Our Dams: Defending the Palouse
Results: Michael successfully moved to nullify the Biden-era salmon agreement that threatened to breach our dams. He has made the preservation of the Lower Snake River Dams a federal priority, protecting our low-cost, carbon-free power.
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Action: Major wins in agriculture funding via research at WSU, updated farm aid during a downtown in wheat and other markets. Fighting for a Farm Bill that prioritizes local growers, expands trade with Asia, and protects family farms from punitive double taxation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​Keeping America Strong
Results: Michael supported the successful U.S. operation to capture and remove Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, ending a narco-terrorist regime and securing global energy stability .
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Baumgartner sponsored and the House passed the DETERRENT Act to end foreign adversarial gifts and influence at our colleges and universities.​​​​
The Economy - The "Working Families Tax Cuts" Success
​​​​​​​​Results: Michael helped pass the largest tax relief package in nearly 40 years, providing an average savings of $3,752 per filer.
Specific Wins:
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No Tax on Tips: Eliminated federal taxes on tips for our service and hospitality workers.
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No Tax on Overtime: Hard work is finally being rewarded with tax-free overtime pay.
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Seniors First: Secured a new $6,000 tax deduction for seniors 65+ to offset taxes on Social Security benefits.
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Car Loans: Made interest on auto loans tax-deductible for the first time for American-made cars.
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Child Savings Accounts: Launched $1,000 tax-free investment accounts for every American child born in 2025 and 2026.
Curbing Violent Crime
Results: Murder and violent crime rates are down sharply nationwide since support for law enforcement was restored.
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Action: Fentanyl deaths are finally declining as Michael approved the HALT Fentanyl Act to crack down on deadly trafficking.​
Supporting Our Service Members
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​Fairchild AFB: Michael secured significant pay raises for airmen and over $13 million for new mission support and fueling facilities .
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Veterans: Voted for reforms to the VA to speed up medical research and improve care..​