Jobs & the Economy

Members of Washington Delegation introduce bill to make Washington ports more competitive

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This week, members of the Washington Delegation, Reps. Rick Larsen, (WA-02), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Jim McDermott (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Denny Heck (WA-10), Susan DelBene (WA-01), and Adam Smith (WA-09) introduced H.R. 5417, the bipartisan Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act, which would ensure the annual funds collected through the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) are used to…

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Stop Short-Sighted DOT Decision to Allow Norwegian Air Operations in the U.S.

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Released April 28, 2016 Today, Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), introduced H.R. 5090, legislation that would prevent the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from permitting a foreign air carrier to operate between European countries and the United States unless the carrier complies with basic, fair U.S. or…

Larsen Applauds Alcoa, BPA Agreement To Save Hundreds Of Whatcom Jobs

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EVERETT—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today cheering the agreement between Alcoa and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to keep the Intalco smelter in Ferndale operating. The smelter had previously been scheduled to be curtailed at the end of June. “I have been working to keep Intalco running throughout my time in Congress because I know how…

Larsen To Push Back On DOTs Norwegian Air Decision Because Of Labor Concerns

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Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, strongly opposed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to tentatively grant a foreign air carrier permit through a show cause order to Norwegian Air International (NAI). Larsen raised concerns that the carrier will be able to avoid certain protections for workers. In Article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U. Bilateral Agreement, air carriers are…

Larsen Applauds Successful Efforts To Level International Playing Field For U.S. Workers

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Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, applauded the administration’s announcement that it has reached a settlement with China to end an export subsidy program, which is prohibited under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) brought the dispute to the WTO, and China subsequently agreed to end its “Demonstration Bases-Common Services…

Larsen Announces Safety Grants for Skagit Regional Airport and Anacortes Airport

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced two federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for local airports in Skagit County. The Skagit Regional Airport will receive $73,675 and the Anacortes Airport will receive $298,675. Both grants will fund safety improvements. “In Washington state, transportation means jobs. The Skagit Regional and Anacortes airports are…

Larsen: Boeing Job Cuts Send Workers On Roller Coaster Ride Of Uncertainty

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today about the announcement from Boeing that it will cut 4,000 jobs from its commercial division in the next few months. “I share workers’ deep disappointment and frustration at Boeing’s latest plans to cut thousands of jobs in just the next few months. The Puget Sound is home to the best aerospace workforce in…

Larsen And Reichert Lead Effort To Invest In Small Business Exports

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, continued his work to help small businesses grow through exports by leading efforts to fund the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) in FY 2017. Larsen and Rep. Dave Reichert, WA-08, sent a letter to House appropriators along with 17 other members requesting sufficient funding for STEP. The program has helped more than 450 small businesses in Washington state…

Larsen Pushes To Bring More Women, Minorities Into STEM Fields

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Many jobs in today’s globally competitive workforce require some level of STEM skills, which is why Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, announced his support today for a new bill that encourages more women and minorities to enter STEM fields. Larsen is an original cosponsor of the Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act, which sets up a competitive grant program for colleges, universities and…