The Seattle Times OLYMPIA, Wash. — The U.S. House has passed a measure that would require the Pentagon to factor in all government subsidies in the Air Force's aerial refueling tanker competition. The measure passed on a 325-23 vote Tuesday. It was introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee and Rick Larsen of Washington after the Senate didn't act on a similar measure passed earlier this… Read more »

PubliColaBy Josh FeitArmed Services Committee member U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen issues statement calling for DADT repeal.As the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal that’s part of the stalled defense budget languishes in the senate, the house introduced a stand-alone repeal bill today.The bill, similar to the stand-alone repeal that U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Lieberman… Read more »

Seattle PIBy Aubrey CohenCongress must make the Pentagon consider illegal subsidies in the Air Force aerial refueling tanker competition, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said Monday."Congress needs to act to force the Department of Defense to stop ignoring the illegal subsidies that Airbus has received from European governments," Larsen said in a news release. "This session… Read more »

Everett Herald Jerry CornfieldThe U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday giving a path to citizenship for students brought illegally into this country by their parents.The bill dubbed the DREAM Act passed on a 216-198 vote . It now goes to the U.S. Senate where a vote could be held as early as today.Every Washington Democrat in the delegation -- except retiring… Read more »

Everett HeraldBy Jerry CornfieldAs expected, the U.S. House of Representatives voted along party lines today to permanently extend the Bush tax cuts for those earning up to $200,000 a year. Those tax cuts are set to expire at the end of the year.Here's the breakdown of the 234-188 vote and here's a story on how House Dems know their bill can't pass the Senate but may prod talks on a… Read more »

Skagit Valley HeraldBy Ralph SchwartzCall it a “lame duck session,” but U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen said that is no excuse for the 111th Congress to take the rest of the year off.“There’s still work to be done right now in this session of Congress,” said the Everett Democrat, whose 2nd Congressional District covers much of northwest Washington, including Skagit… Read more »

Seattle PIJoel ConnellySens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., applauded a new Pentagon report saying repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will win wide acceptance among military personnel and not harm operations.A provision to allow gays and lesbians to openly serve is included in a military spending bill set for Senate debate this week."This report gives… Read more »

Seattle TimesBy Kyung M. SongU.S. Rep. Rick Larsen narrowly avoided losing his seat this month to a tea-party challenger who railed against deficit spending and higher taxes.So, did voters scare the Lake Stevens Democrat into reconsidering his position on extending the Bush tax cuts? And can Larsen deliver on what he read as the electorate's plea for bipartisanship?The answer on both… Read more »

Rick Larsen interviewed by WTOP's Dave McConnell Download MP3 Read more »

Commerce secretary promoting trade in Everett Seattle PI (from the Associated Press) EVERETT, Wash. -- Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is in Everett Monday promoting trade for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. The Daily Herald of Everett reports the former Washington governor and Congressman Rick Larsen are meeting with business owners at noon at Everett Community College. … Read more »