Press Releases

The explosion killed four and injured many others, ripping apart the hustle and bustle of a Kabul morning on the day when Americans in Afghanistan and around the world celebrated Thanksgiving. Several members of Congress, including myself, were nearly a mile away from the suicide bomber at the time of the explosion, safely behind several layers of security, being briefed by the United… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting for the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act (HR 7321).  The legislation passed the House on Wednesday evening.  “I supported this legislation to save jobs.  I am convinced that if the federal government fails to act, the U.S. auto industry will collapse.  One out… Read more »

Legislation to provide an additional 7 weeks of unemployment benefits to every state including Washington was signed into law on Thursday. The bill (H.R. 6867), which first passed by the House of Representatives in October with strong bipartisan support, cleared the Senate Thursday afternoon.  U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today: “The loss of 121 jobs at the Intalco aluminum smelter in Ferndale comes as a blow to our entire community. Today’s news makes it clearer than ever that the global economic crisis is hitting home here in Whatcom County.  “My staff will do everything we can to help the 75 Alcoa… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) delivered the keynote address at Naval Station Everett’s Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, November 7.  Below are Larsen’s Veterans Day remarks as prepared for delivery. “Thank you for the introduction, Captain Mascolo.  I appreciate having the opportunity to speak here today. “On November 11th, 1918, German… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today: "Today's announcement of a tentative agreement between the Machinists and the Boeing company gives Boeing workers, their families and our entire community a reason to celebrate. "I look forward to seeing the details of this agreement, and I am optimistic that a final deal that works for… Read more »

  U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced his support today for the memorandum of understanding reached by Alcoa and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which provides the framework for a deal to keep Alcoa Intalco Works, Ferndale’s aluminum smelter facility, running for the next twenty years. “Today’s agreement will keep family-wage jobs at the… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today on the news that Meridian Yachts will close its doors in the coming days: “The loss of Meridian Yachts is sad news not only for Meridian workers and their families, but for our entire community. “I have asked my staff to do everything we can to help Meridian workers find new jobs and help… Read more »

Today the House is scheduled to vote on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (HR 1424). This legislation includes all the provisions from the financial rescue package Larsen voted for last week and adds a measure to increase the amount of bank deposits insured by the FDIC from $100,000 to $250,000.  The Senate combined this financial recovery package with a package of tax… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today after voting for a financial rescue package (HR 3997) which failed to pass the House of Representatives by a vote of 205 to 228.  “Our nation faces an economic crisis that has the potential to impact every family in the country. The Bush Administration responded to this crisis by requesting a… Read more »