Congressman Michael Baumgartner sworn in to 119th Congress

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) released the following statement after he was sworn in to serve his first term representing the Fifthth District of Washington State in the United States House of Representatives on January 3, 2025.

"I'm excited to get to work securing our border, reducing inflation, and fighting everyday for the people of Eastern Washington."

Baumgartner was pleased with the recent passage of the Laken Riley Act on January 7.

"Securing our border is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation today," Baumgartner said. "I campaigned on the need for immigration reform, and I'm pleased that one of my first votes is on something as crucial as the Laken Riley Act. This bill represents a critical step forward in strengthening our national security."

H.R. 29 (The Laken Riley Act) requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft offenses and detain them until removal to prevent reoffending. It targets aliens charged, convicted, or arrested for theft-related offenses (e.g., burglary, larceny, shoplifting).

The bill addresses situations like the release of an illegal alien who was arrested for theft months before killing Laken Riley in Georgia.

Local authorities released the alien, and ICE failed to lodge a detainer, allowing the crime to happen.

Washington's Fifth Congressional District encompasses the counties of Spokane, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Whitman, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin, and parts of Adams and Franklin Counties.