Larsen Hails Race to the Top Grant for Early Education Programs in Washington

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today hailed the up to $60 million federal grant that Washington state will receive to increase access to high-quality early education programs. Washington is one of nine states to be awarded the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant from the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.“I know how important support for early…

Larsen: Government Funding Bill Supports Access to Higher Education, Boosts Navy Communities

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of a bill that funds government operations through September 2012. The omnibus appropriations act is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President, thus preventing a government shutdown.“The spending levels in this bill are consistent with the tough caps that Congress put in place in this year’s Budget Control…

Larsen, Murray: Navy Confirms Intention to Base P-8A Poseidons on Whidbey Island

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Will Continue Pressing Navy to Follow Through on 2008 DoD Record of Decision The U.S. Navy still intends to base P-8As at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) by 2017, Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Patty Murray, announced today. Larsen and Murray received letters this week from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert confirming the intent as outlined in the 2008 Department…

Larsen Statement on Defense Authorization Bill

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, tonight voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012, a bill which sets Department of Defense spending and policy. Larsen, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, served on the House-Senate conference committee that produced the final bill.“First and foremost this bipartisan legislation supports our troops,” Larsen said.…

Larsen Applauds USPS Decision to Postpone Closure of Everett Mail Processing Facility

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today applauded the U.S. Postal Service’s decision to postpone closing its post offices and mail processing facilities, including the facility in Everett. Larsen called on the Postmaster General to keep the Everett Area Mail Processing Facility open in a letter last month. The Postal Service announced yesterday that it would delay closure of all facilities…

Larsen Helps Lead Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Pipeline Safety

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today helped pass the “Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011.” Larsen, a member of the House Transportation Committee, helped write the 2002 Pipeline Safety Improvement Act and its 2006 revisions. He managed floor debate on the bill today, which ultimately passed with a unanimous voice vote.“This bill is another…

Larsen Co-Chairs Field Meeting with Small Businesses in New Jersey

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today co-chaired a small business roundtable discussion about contracting with the Department of Defense in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The meeting was part of the House Armed Services Committee’s Defense Business Panel which Larsen co-chairs. The panel held their first field hearings in Everett, and has had subsequent discussions in Ohio and Illinois as well as…

Larsen Statement on Everett Kimberly-Clark Plant

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after Kimberly-Clark announced that attempts to sell the Everett plant had failed and that the plant would close.“Kimberly-Clark’s announcement today is clearly a disappointment for the Everett community,” Larsen said. “I offer my sympathy to the workers and their families who deserve better. The employees…

Larsen Hails IAM District 751 Vote to Approve Boeing Contract

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today hailed the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 vote to approve a contract extension with Boeing. “Tonight’s vote by the union is a huge step forward for all of Northwest Washington,” Larsen said. “Not only does this secure production of the 737-MAX in Washington, but it gives these deserving…

Larsen Appointed to Conference Committee for Defense Authorization Bill

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was appointed today to the House-Senate conference committee to finalize the defense authorization bill for 2012. The committee will work out differences on the major bill which sets Department of Defense policies and spending. “As a conferee on the defense authorization bill, I will continue advocating for…