Rep. Michael Baumgartner
Congressman
Congressman Michael Baumgartner is currently serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represents the people of Washington state’s 5th Congressional District.
Raised among the Palouse wheat fields in Colton and Pullman, Washington, Michael is a graduate of Washington State University, where he earned a degree in economics. He later earned a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on International Development from Harvard University.
Before coming to Congress, Michael served as a Washington state senator, diplomat, and the treasurer of Spokane County. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, such as the "Champion of Freedom Award" from the Washington Policy Center and the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Inland Empire Society of American Foresters.
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Federal transit programs need to be reformed to protect taxpayers, improve service
With costs increasing and transit ridership declining in many cities, Congress needs a more constructive, results-driven approach to federal transit grants.