Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Suzan DelBene, WA-01, sent a letter today asking the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to support a strong hatchery program for salmon and steelhead in Washington state. The state announced a legal settlement last week resulting in only some winter steelhead being released, potentially delaying or canceling… Read more »

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it will publish an interim final rule to establish the U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card Program, an initiative that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, led by introducing and passing The APEC Business Travel Cards Act of 2011. The Act allows American business and government personnel traveling to the Asia-Pacific… Read more »

Military Construction spending bill also includes priorities for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of helping veterans get the benefits they deserve. During consideration of a military construction spending bill, Larsen led efforts to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand its medical care to include more comprehensive… Read more »

Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) introduced a bill today to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish a United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs. Currently, 20 government agencies are handling Arctic policy.  Under this legislation, an Ambassador would be charged with all coordination and serve as Chair of the… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement regarding the Department of Transportation’s proposal addressing the surface transportation bill reauthorization. “The administration is right to recognize the pressing importance of investments in our roads, bridges, highways and ferries. Businesses need to be able to trust in reliable access to markets and citizens need… Read more »

EVERETT—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, continues to work toward ensuring communities near rail lines are safe as more crude oil is shipped by train. Larsen participated in two tours of local rail facilities this week to learn about rail inspections and how materials are offloaded. He also praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to submit a comprehensive proposal… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today regarding the Navy’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement addressing the introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft to the U.S. Navy Fleet. The Supplemental EIS indicates the Navy’s preferred alternative is to replace the three existing P-3C squadrons at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released a statement today following the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) unanimous decision to provide up to $5 million of PSRC’s federal transportation funds to Snohomish County. The PSRC Transportation Policy Board unanimously made the recommendation on April 10 for the executive board’s consideration. “PSRC’s decision to… Read more »

Funding that will go to Snohomish County represents a 75% reimbursement for costs they have submitted to the federal government 30 days into the recovery Announcement comes as President, Congressional delegation, and local leaders tour the community, meet with victim’s families, and thank first responders (Seattle, WA) – Today, Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria… Read more »

EVERETT—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement in advance of accompanying President Obama on a visit today to the 530 slide. "The tragic mudslide that devastated the Oso and Darrington communities one month ago has forever changed the lives of so many in Snohomish County." "The President's visit today underscores the country's commitment to… Read more »