Baumgartner Backs Final FY2026 Funding Bills: Restoring Regular Order and Delivering for Eastern Washington

Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) voted to pass a series of Appropriations bills; Defense, Transportation, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), and Homeland Security. These final bills mark the last steps in completing all twelve FY2026 appropriations bills, and avoiding the chaos of shutdown threats and stopgap spending. They include major wins for Eastern Washington, alongside broader investments that support servicemembers, secure our communities, provide effective education and health systems, and modernize transportation. The bill now moves to the Senate and if passed, to the President's desk to be signed into law. Funding for these departments and agencies is set to expire on January 30th.

"With today's votes, Congress is finally back to doing its job - funding the government through appropriations bills," said  Congressman Baumgartner. "These bills deliver for Eastern Washington: pay raises for Fairchild airmen, stronger rural hospitals, safer highways and airports, and tougher border and drug enforcement to keep our communities safe.

In the Transportation Appropriations bill, Baumgartner secured more than $5.8 millionin targeted Community Project Funding to directly support Eastern Washington's transportation and public safety needs.

• Spokane Valley - Sullivan & Trent Interchange Reconstruction: $4 million to rebuild the Sullivan & Trent interchange, easing congestion, improving freight movement, and enhancing safety at a critical junction.
• Usk - Port of Pend Oreille Locomotive Facility Upgrades: $852,000 to modernize locomotive facilities, supporting freight rail capacity and protecting jobs in a rural, trade-dependent community.
• Stevens County - Fruitland Fire Station: $1 million to construct a new fire station, improving emergency response times and strengthening fire protection for rural residents.