Larsen Calls for Vote to Protect Civil Liberties, Prevent Indefinite Detention in Defense Bill

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today urged his colleagues to support legislation to enhance civil liberties and eliminate indefinite military detention. Larsen, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, called for a vote on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act authored by Reps. Adam Smith, WA-09, and Justin Amash, MI-03.“The civil rights enshrined in our…

Larsen Votes to Protect Food Aid, Care for Seniors in Budget Fight

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Votes against Republican Sequester Replacement Reconciliation ActRep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted to preserve food aid for low-income families and protect senior services in a budget debate today. Larsen voted against a Republican bill that seeks to eliminate automatic cuts to defense spending and replace them with greater cuts to domestic spending. The bill, which passed the House on…

Larsen Statement on Marriage Equality

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today issued the following statement on marriage equality following President Obama’s statement that he supports same-sex marriage.“President Obama today arrived at a belief that millions of Americans, including myself, share. Marriage is a civil right that all Americans—gay or straight—should be able to enjoy,” Larsen said. “I…

Larsen Helps Lead Passage of Bill to Reauthorize the Job-Creating Export-Import Bank

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today helped lead passage of a bill to reauthorize and expand the Export-Import Bank. Larsen introduced a bipartisan bill (HR 4302) to reauthorize the bank earlier this year, and has worked to persuade his colleagues to support reauthorization. The bank’s charter is currently set to expire on May 31. Larsen today spoke on the floor in support of HR 2072, the…

Larsen Statement on Deal to Extend and Expand the Ex-Im Bank

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EVERETT--Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after Leaders Cantor and Hoyer announced a deal to extend and expand the Export-Import Bank:"I'm encouraged to see the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House have come to an agreement to extend and expand the Export-Import Bank,"Larsen said. "The deal they reached is largely in line with the bipartisan…

Larsen, Boustany Express Support for Chen's Entry to the U.S.

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Rep. Charles Boustany, LA-07, the bipartisan leaders of the U.S.-China Working Group, sent a letter in support of Chen Guangcheng and his family’s application to travel to the United States to Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui. The text of the letter is as follows:His Excellency Zhang YesuiAmbassador of the People’s Republic of…

Larsen Announces Grant to Expand Affordable Housing for the Lummi Nation

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced a grant totaling $500,000 to build and modernize affordable housing and prevent crime on the Lummi Indian reservation. The grant was awarded under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program.“A tremendous need for affordable housing exists on the Lummi Reservation,” Larsen said.…

Larsen Announces $5 Million in Funding for Community Health Center of Snohomish County

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced a $5 million grant for the Community Health Center of Snohomish County. This grant, awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, will help the Center expand its services to serve more patients. Community health centers provide comprehensive, locally-focused primary care to medically underserved communities.“Community health centers…

Larsen Statement on Afghanistan

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after the President announced a new strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan.“The strategic partnership announced by the President in Afghanistan helps define our exit strategy and is an important step to ending the war and bringing our troops home,” Larsen said. “Over the last decade, the United States…

Larsen: Republican Proposal to Pay for Student Loans is Another Politically Motivated Attack that Hurts Women

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted against the Republican plan to maintain student loan interest rates by cutting funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund. The health fund pays for disease prevention and early detection, including screenings for breast and cervical cancer, childhood immunizations and birth defect screenings. Larsen has been an adamant supporter of preventing…