Jobs & the Economy

Larsen Helps Secure Passage of Infrastructure Bill That Aids Northwest Washington Ports, Flood Control, and Ecosystem Repair

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The House of Representatives today passed a job-creating water infrastructure bill with the support of Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act authorizes federal investment in ports, flood control and ecosystem restoration. Northwest Washington has several ongoing federally funded water infrastructure projects. “We can’t have a big league…

NW lawmakers Urge Commerce Department to Open the King Crab Season

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Northwest lawmakers are urging federal officials to quickly allow Bering Sea fishermen to start fishing for Alaskan king crab. The crab season was scheduled to start on October 15th, but due to the government shutdown, the federal employees at the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) have been unable to issue permits for the fleet, thereby delaying the start of the season. In a…

Larsen: We Must End the Shutdown and Get Back to Work on Real Issues Facing the Country

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today on the Senate agreement to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. “I support the agreement to reopen the government and protect the full faith and credit of the United States,” Larsen said. “We need to move past this manufactured crisis so we can get to work on the important issues that Congress…

Larsen Signs Petition to Reopen the Government Immediately

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today signed an official House of Representatives petition to force a vote on a bill to reopen the government immediately. If a majority of representatives sign the petition (known as a discharge petition), the House of Representatives would have the opportunity to take an up-or-down vote on a bill to extend government funding. “The American people deserve…

Larsen: Congress Needs to Open the Entire Government for All Americans

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Congress should “open the entire government for all Americans” and end efforts to restore government services on a piecemeal basis, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, told his colleagues today. “We should not be opening just parts of the government to serve just some of the people,” Larsen said. “We should open the entire government for all Americans. The Republican…

Washington Democrats: Shutdown Can End Today if GOP Leadership Allows a Vote on a Clean Budget Bill

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Washington state’s six House Democrats have joined 194 of their colleagues to call on House Speaker John Boehner to end the Republican-led shutdown by allowing an up-or-down  vote on a clean budget bill that would open the government immediately. Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, Suzan DelBene, WA-01, Jim McDermott, WA-07, Adam Smith, WA-09, Denny Heck, WA-10, and Derek Kilmer, WA-06,…

Larsen Statement on Ongoing Shutdown, Vote to Pay Furloughed Federal Employees

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement on day five of the federal government shutdown. The House of Representatives today voted to provide retroactive pay to furloughed federal employees after the shutdown ends. “We’re in day five of a reckless government shutdown that the House of Representatives has the power to end with a single vote,” Larsen said.…

Larsen Statement on Foss Maritimes Move to Everett

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after Foss Maritime announced it will move its operations to Everett: “Foss Maritime’s move to Everett starts another great chapter in the city’s proud manufacturing history,” Larsen said. “I look forward to welcoming the 250 workers and hopefully many more as Foss has new opportunities to expand its…

Larsen Joins Coalition of Democrats to Introduce Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package in House

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today after joining other House Democrats to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform package in the House. “Even during the Republican shutdown, we can’t stop working to improve our economy. We need to end this shutdown so Congress can take up comprehensive immigration reform and other bills that will create jobs and…

Larsen: Republican Shutdown a Disgrace

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after Congress failed to pass legislation to avert a shutdown of the federal government. House Republicans insisted on dismantling or defunding the Affordable Care Act as a condition to continue funding the government. “Republicans played chicken with the government and our economy, and the American people lost,” Larsen…