Upon returning to Spokane after being sworn in, Michael Baumgartner received a warm welcome at his first city hall as a councilman.
On Saturday, about 20 voters gathered in a conference room at the North Spokane Library to hear from elected officials and voice their opinions. The Republican praised the orderly transition of power he saw in the first days of his term, a stark contrast to the storming of the Capitol four years ago.
“It was good. It was orderly. It was peaceful. And thank you to everyone who was there,” he said of Congress confirming Donald Trump’s electoral victory on January 6. said. “It was good for our country that Kamala Harris, who had just lost an election, attended and presided over the election.”
During his first term, Baumgartner will serve on three Congressional committees: Education and Workforce, Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs.
With House leadership and all of Washington soon under Republican control, Baumgartner laid out his caucus’ priorities. In the first few months, Republicans plan to reinstate tax cuts passed during President Trump’s first term, pass a border security bill and a new farm bill.
Voter questions at the event focused on corruption in Washington, pressing Baumgartner for his positions on campaign finance reform and congressional term limits. The new congressman has pledged to fight for term limits and amend campaign finance laws to prevent noncitizens from donating to political candidates.
“Foreign contributions are illegal, so there’s some evidence that foreign funds and foreign entities were coming together. We all want elections that are influenced by people who are not Americans. I don’t think so,” he said.
Baumgartner’s presentation focused on efforts to limit federal spending and reduce the budget deficit. He added that such reforms are unlikely in the near future because both parties want to continue spending.
“Neither President Trump nor President Biden campaigned loudly on national debt or spending reform,” he said. “The reality is we’re $37 trillion in debt.”
Potential cuts to certain programs faced pushback from Darcy Lewis, whose daughter Zoe Osborne has an intellectual disability and relies on Medicaid to receive care.
“We need to provide the best care possible for Zoe and others like her, and we will do that by bringing reforms to the system that can save money on how Medicaid is used. ,” Baumgartner told Lewis.
“Our mission is to ensure that people like Zoe receive the best care possible. And we also work responsibly with Medicaid to ensure that it is passed on to future generations. ” he added.
When asked what she thought of Lewis’ answer, she said that while she “might disagree with how we can improve Medicaid,” she looked forward to having an open dialogue on the issue.
“I’m honestly very impressed with how bipartisan he is today,” she said.
The congressman also answered questions from those who disagree with his foreign policy positions. Asked by a voter if he would stop funding the wars in Israel and Ukraine, Baumgartner said America’s global involvement often has a purpose.
“The idea of funding the spread of democracy as a way to defeat Islamic terrorism was not a great strategy because it was very expensive and cost American lives. We can’t be isolationists and enjoy the same quality of life and freedom that we have here,” Baumgartner said. “I think it’s important that Vladimir Putin fails in Ukraine, and I don’t want my children to fight in World War III.”
Tristan Mospan was probably the youngest voter to attend City Hall. The 22-year-old felt his voice was heard by Baumgartner and hoped more people his age would have the opportunity to interact with their elected officials.
“If people just show up, politicians will listen. They may not do everything you want them to do. “I feel like a lot of people aren’t interested. There’s a general apathy. But if you show up, you get a voice,” he said.
Baumgartner has promised to build more city halls over the next two years of his first term. Although not yet open, his Spokane office will be located on the first floor of the Schade Tower at 528 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. Call his Congressional office at (202) 225-2006.
