Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA – 02) released the following statement in advance of the House vote on free trade agreements for Colombia, Panama, and Korea: “After carefully reviewing the Korea, Panama and Columbia free trade agreements and hearing concerns from a wide-range of folks, I’ve decided to vote in support of all three agreements.  “In Washington State,… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) commended the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for voting today to initiate a study on the diversion of U.S.-bound cargo through Canadian ports.  Larsen led a letter with six other Washington state Members of Congress requesting that the FMC conduct an analysis of the impact the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and other U.S. government policies may be… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released a statement following the announcement that Kimberly-Clark Mills has entered into serious negotiations with Atlas Holdings LLC for the purchase of the pulp and paper mill:“The announcement that Kimberly-Clark has entered into exclusive talks with Atlas Holdings is good news for Everett and for Kimberly-Clark workers.  As… Read more »

Today, U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2587, a bill that limits the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) enforcement powers.  The bill would curb the labor board’s legal authority by prohibiting it from ordering a company to relocate its workers. Larsen voted against the bill and entered the following remarks into the Congressional Record:Mr. Speaker, I rise… Read more »

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) today announced the formation of a bipartisan Defense Business Panel.  The Chairman and Ranking Member tapped Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) to lead the panel.  They will examine the current defense business environment, to identify… Read more »

Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the  following statement regarding the expected vote within the United Nations on Palestinian statehood.“Finding a peaceful resolution to matters in the Middle East continues to be a complex process.  The difficulty of finding common ground lies not solely with the establishment of geographic borders, but is steeped in religion,… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued this statement in response to Kimberly-Clark's announcement:"The announcement today that Kimberly-Clark has notified employees that it may shut down its facility is difficult news but not the final word."I am committed to doing what I can to protect these jobs. "I am certain that Kimberly-Clark will continue its efforts to find a buyer… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) urged the President to include his proposal to protect the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program in any jobs package the White House submits to Congress. The HUBZone program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.  Skagit County is considered a… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen congratulated Friday Harbor for winning a federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.  Friday Harbor received $240,790 for pedestrian access safety improvements at the ferry terminal.  This grant will improve pedestrian safety and circulation, ferry loading and offloading efficiency… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen today congratulated Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, located in Freeland, for winning a federal grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Assistance to Small Shipyards program. Nichols Brothers received $519,761 for the purchase of a 25-ton and a 40-ton mobile crane. Larsen is the Ranking Member of the Coast… Read more »