Press Releases

   U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 241 to 185. Larsen issued the following statement: “I grew up in a union household.  My Dad worked hard to give our family a better life, and his union helped make that possible.  I’m committed to… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today in favor of the Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 976) which includes $1.3 billion in tax cuts to help small businesses grow and hire new workers.  The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation by a vote of 360 to 45.  “Small businesses are the heart and soul of Northwest Washington’s… Read more »

   U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today in favor of the resolution expressing support for our troops and opposition to the President's proposal to escalate the war in Iraq. The resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 246 to 182. Larsen issued the following statement: “The president's announcement to add 21,500 U.S. troops… Read more »

U.S. Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) have re-introduced legislation to crack down on the bulk sale of dextromethorphan (DXM). The Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007 (H.R. 970) makes it illegal to distribute unfinished DXM to a person or company not registered with the FDA and will help prevent the abuse of this drug, which has resulted in deaths across… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) spoke before the House Budget Committee today and urged them to disregard the President’s proposed cuts for Fiscal Year 2008 and fully fund programs to help local law enforcement combat methamphetamine. Below are Congressman Larsen’s remarks as prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Chairman Spratt.  I appreciate the… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) spoke on the House Floor today in favor of the Iraq resolution that expresses support for our troops and opposition to the President's proposal to escalate the war in Iraq.  Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a strong U.S. military, a military that is ready to combat… Read more »

   U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA 2nd) today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected Everett, WA for a new Vet Center. VA Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to combat veterans. The Everett Vet Center is scheduled to open in 2008. "I am pleased that the VA has recognized the needs of… Read more »

   U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) today praised the passage of the Methamphetamine Remediation Act of 2007 by the U.S. House of Representatives: “In the process of cooking a batch of methamphetamine, hazardous chemicals seep into the interior of a home.  Often, innocent families move into former meth labs, completely unaware that their new home was once used to cook… Read more »

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) introduced companion legislation in the House and Senate today to create the first new Wilderness area in Washington state in over twenty years. After more than five years of preparation, Murray and Larsen are hopeful that their Wild Sky legislation will become law in 2007. "We have a great tradition of preserving the… Read more »

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today on President Bush’s budget request for 2008: “The President’s irresponsible budget proposal raises co-pays and enrollment fees for veterans, cuts funding to combat methamphetamine, cuts funding for programs that help small businesses get off the ground and fails to balance the budget by… Read more »