Jobs & the Economy

Larsen Votes for Stronger Job Training and Opportunity

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Better opportunities for job training and adult education will prepare more people to succeed in today’s economy because of a bill that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, supported and the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 415-6. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act improves workforce development and job training programs by updating them to align with the needs of…

Larsen and Garamendi Ask Coast Guard to Reactivate Polar Sea

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Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and John Garamendi, CA-03, today asked the Coast Guard to reactivate the Polar Sea icebreaker in a letter to Commandant Paul Zukunft. The U.S. currently does not have the icebreakers it needs to meet its responsibilities in the Arctic. Putting the Polar Sea back into service would better enable the U.S. to secure its national security, environmental and economic…

Larsen Cosponsors Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today cosponsored a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, continuing his leadership to make sure companies have access to critical financing through the bank to sell their goods overseas. The Protect American Jobs and Exports Act of 2014 reauthorizes the bank for 7 years and raises its lending cap by $5 billion each year, to a total of $175 billion. The…

Larsen: Time for Congress to Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, continued his leadership on the Export-Import Bank today by announcing he will be an original cosponsor and leading advocate for a bill to reauthorize the bank, which is a critical tool to finance U.S. companies’ exports. Larsen introduced and successfully advocated for passage of a bill to reauthorize and expand the Export-Import Bank in 2012. In…

NW Washington Delegation Announces Grant for Arlington Schools to Help with Mudslide Costs

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Today, the federal delegation representing Snohomish County announced that the Arlington School District has received $9,090 through a federal Project SERV grant to help offset costs the district incurred after the State Route 530 mudslide in March. The Project SERV grant will help the school district cover the costs of substitute teachers who stood in for classroom staff while they…

Larsen: Bill Severely Underfunds Transportation Infrastructure

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, voted against a spending bill today that severely underfunds investments in critical transportation infrastructure. The House passed the FY2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill by a vote of 229-192. “Tonight the House passed a bill that does not go far enough to invest in our country’s roads, bridges, highways and…

Larsen: Navy P-8A Decision Great for NASWI, National Security

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today regarding the Navy’s decision to base six P-8A squadrons at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Navy’s Record of Decision finalizes the preferred option laid out in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement released in April. “The Navy’s decision today signifies the prominent role that…

Larsen Applauds Puget Sound Regions Designation to New Commerce Department Initiative

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, applauded the U.S. Commerce Department’s announcement today naming the Puget Sound’s aerospace industry as an Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership designee. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) led the region’s application, which was one of 12 selected nationwide. The Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership…

Larsen Supports NW Priorities in Defense Spending Bill

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The House of Representatives today passed a defense spending bill with support from Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, that includes provisions to strengthen the Northwest economy and improve national defense. Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, which wrote the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015. One provision in the bill funds six KC-46A refueling tankers. The Air…

Larsen Supports Bill Strengthening NW Ports

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of a water infrastructure bill that passed the House of Representatives and supports economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act authorizes federal investment in ports, flood control and ecosystem restoration. Today’s House vote approved the bill as agreed to by a conference committee. The…