Press Releases

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today in response to the Labor Department’s report that the economy added 227,000 jobs in February.“This is the third consecutive month that the economy has added than 200,000 jobs. The economy is strengthening, and businesses are hiring again,” Larsen said. “While this is undeniably a positive sign, I am… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for a bill designed to help small businesses get access to capital and expand. “We need to make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs. This bill helps small businesses get access to capital and reduces regulatory obstacles for companies to go public,” Larsen said. “My number one goal in Congress is to implement a… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, called for support of manufacturing and export initiatives in testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Budget. Larsen highlighted the importance of manufacturing and exports in Northwest Washington. The full text of Larsen’s testimony follows:Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of the Committee: Thank you for the opportunity to… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today received commitment from the Federal Maritime Commission that it will complete its final study on cargo diversion by late spring or early summer. Larsen questioned Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr., at a Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing. Larsen is the top Democrat on the subcommittee.“When… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for H.R. 4105, which would give the U.S. Department of Commerce authority to administer countervailing tariffs on illegally subsidized foreign goods imported from non-market economies. The bipartisan bill was approved by the House of Representatives on a vote of 370 to 39.“This bill will help level the playing field for American manufacturers… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today after Rep. Norm Dicks, WA-06, announced he would retire at the end of this Congress.“Norm is a passionate and tireless advocate for Washingtonians, and has been for over three decades,” Larsen said.“I have mixed emotions about his departure. I am happy for both Norm and Suzie, but his retirement leaves a big… Read more »

Legislation authored by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, to help school districts serving military or tribal communities advanced this week in a key House of Representatives committee. The text of Larsen’s Impact Aid Timely Repayment Act was included in the Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act (H.R. 3990) which the House Education and the Workforce Committee approved last… Read more »

In letter to President Obama, members urge approval of a federal disaster declaration for 11 Washington counties In a letter sent today, members of the Washington Congressional delegation called for President Obama to approve a request from Washington state to issue a federal disaster declaration for 11 counties struggling to overcome severe winter weather.Governor Chris Gregoire formally… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted yes on the bipartisan agreement to extend the payroll tax relief and unemployment insurance, and maintain Medicare reimbursement rates. The bill will extend the provisions through the end of the year.“I supported this bill because it protects seniors' ability to see the doctor of their choice, and sustains critical unemployment insurance for more… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding President Obama’s planned announcement in Everett of initiatives to promote jobs, manufacturing and exports."The President’s initiatives to help America’s businesses export their goods are exactly the way we will continue creating jobs in Washington state," Larsen said. "Promoting… Read more »