Jobs & the Economy

Larsen Secures Funding to Enhance Port Security in Northwest Washington

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced a successful effort to protect federal grants for six marine communities in Snohomish, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants will fund security and safety upgrades at ports in the region. The grants were rescinded in October 2012, but Larsen helped the communities obtain extensions for the funds…

Larsen Tapped to Be Top House Democrat on Aviation Issues

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Prioritizes Creating Pacific Northwest Jobs and Ensuring Safe and Efficient Air Travel System Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, is now the top House Democrat on aviation issues after a vote today by his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Larsen will now serve as the Ranking Member on the Aviation Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil…

Larsen Sworn in to 113th Congress, Maintains Commitment to Jobs and Economic Growth in Northwest Washington

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today after being sworn in to the 113th Congress. “My focus in the 113th Congress will not waver: we need to create jobs and invest in long-term economic growth in Northwest Washington,” Larsen said. “I am pleased to now represent a diverse new constituency in south Snohomish County and look forward to working with…

Larsen, Shuster Achieve Bipartisan Defense Reforms to Help Small Businesses

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Small businesses will have greater access to defense contracts thanks to provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 authored by Reps. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and Bill Shuster, R-Penn. Larsen and Shuster co-chaired the Panel on Business Challenges Within the Defense Industry from September 2011 to March 2012 which looked at the challenges businesses face in working with the…

Larsen Leads Passage of Critical Coast Guard Bill

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The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a bill to set policy and spending levels for the Coast Guard and reauthorize the Maritime Administration. Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, led passage of the bill as the ranking Democratic member on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “The Coast Guard performs its broad array of missions with skill and professionalism.…

Larsen Votes to Expand Exports to Russia, Protect American Workers and Business Interests

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Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, which establishes permanent normal trade relations with Russia. “Washington businesses sold more than $400 million in exports to Russia last year alone. By passing this bill, Northwest Washington exporters will be able to expand their…

Murray, Larsen Applaud Navy Consideration of Navy Air Station Whidbey Island

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Navy exploring increasing the number of squadrons of P-8A Poseidon aircraft Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) commended an announcement by the U.S. Navy on their intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) to the U.S. Navy Fleet. The Navy will…

Larsen: Navy to Consider Increasing P-8A Presence on Whidbey Island

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The Navy is considering increasing the number of squadrons of P-8A Poseidon aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, said today. The Navy will study three alternatives to its 2008 Record of Decision, all of which would result in the basing of more aircraft at Whidbey Island. “This news shows the Navy’s steadfast commitment to Naval Air Station…

In Seattle, Cantwell, Larsen Urge House to Save Polar Sea Icebreaker

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Icebreaker docked in Seattle could be scrapped after 2012 unless Congress acts SEATTLE – Today at Vigor Shipyards, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) called on the U.S. Congress to preserve the nation’s only operational heavy duty icebreaker, the Polar Sea. Unless Congress acts, the Polar Sea is scheduled to be dismantled in…