Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on North Korea’s artillery attack against the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong.“North Korea’s unprovoked artillery attack onto the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong is unacceptable, belligerent behavior. “The international community… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, called on Ray LaHood, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to give Washington state an opportunity to receive additional funding for high-speed rail projects. The Administration announced that it plans to reallocate high-speed rail funds that were rejected… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement regarding reports that the United States and NATO are preparing a “transition” strategy in Afghanistan war.“When I returned from Afghanistan in August, I called on U.S. and Afghan officials to put pen to paper to decide what our strategic relationship will look like in the future.  The… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen praised reports that the Canadian government announced that the Canada Border Services Agency has come up with the $800,000 in border inspection costs to keep a second Amtrak train running between Vancouver and Seattle. Larsen has been fighting to ensure this train remains in service. "Keeping the second Amtrak train in service is a great news… Read more »

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to the Canadian Minister of Public Safety urging the Canadian government to reconsider their fee increase on the second Amtrak Cascades train so it can remain in service. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently learned that the Canadian government will impose a cost… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement on the completion of the transfer of the Mitchell Hill property to the National Parks Service:“I am thrilled that the Mitchell Hill property is a part of San Juan Island Historical Park.  Mitchell Hill has outstanding natural, recreational, and historical values.  Transferring this property to the National… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced today that the Missile Defense Agency’s Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) will undergo maintenance on its propulsion systems at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle.  Naval Station Everett had been considered as a potential location for the maintenance, which is required for the SBX to continue operating.“The SBX radar will… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement regarding the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) release of a draft decision to extend the contract to provide electricity to the Intalco aluminum facility through at least May of 2012.“I have been working to keep Intalco running for nearly ten years.  The plant supports over 500 good jobs for… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement today following the Washington Department of Labor and Industries announcement that it would fine Tesoro $2.38 million for 44 willful and serious violation of worker safety laws.“My thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones of the seven men and women who died as a result of the Tesoro fire on April… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised funding that will enable the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) to hire two new police officers. Larsen sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to award the MVPD with a COPS Hiring Program Grant to help enhance their community policing programs. “The Mount Vernon Police Department has a strong record of effective… Read more »