Newhouse Secures Key Funding in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. 

"The Appropriations Committee has delivered on House Republicans’ commitment to strengthen the agriculture industry while getting our fiscal house in order," said Rep. Newhouse.  

Newhouse continued, "By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), we can combat the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to acquire critical American farmland. The legislation provides funding for key agriculture research programs that support innovation in our specialty crop industries in Central Washington. In pursuit of fiscal responsibility, the legislation passed out of committee today reins in spending in areas we can afford while providing producers the resources they need to be successful and competitive across the agriculture industry."  

"I am also proud to announce funding in this legislation for several projects in Washington’s Fourth District including Astria Toppenish’s Emergency Department, medical staff living spaces at Coulee Medical Center, the expansion of surgical services at Skyline Health, and resources to help finish the new Toppenish Police Department." 

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion, which is $1.163 billion (4.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.

Below are projects in Washington's Fourth Congressional District Rep. Newhouse secured funding for in this legislation. 

Astria Toppenish Hospital 

Amount: $1,512,000 

Description: The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year.

Coulee Medical Center 

Amount: $3,020,475

Description: To ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently.

Skyline Health 

Amount: $3,000,000

Description: As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services.

Toppenish Police Department 

Amount: $500,000 

Description: Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The City has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. The total cost for the purchase and renovation of this building is estimated at $2.5 million. The City is seeking $500,000 in funding to complete the necessary interior and exterior renovations to bring the precinct online. The completion of this project will not only create a more effective Police Department but also help reduce the City's annual operating deficit. The current temporary building costs the City $15,000 per month, further straining the budget. By moving to a permanent facility, the City can allocate resources more efficiently and improve public safety.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. 

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