Accountability & Oversight

Larsen Votes to Restore Critical Protections of the Voting Rights Act

| Posted in Press Releases

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported legislation to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) and keep the promise of democracy for all Americans. H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act prevents states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote by requiring these jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws. H.R. 4 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212.

Larsen Joins Chair DeFazio, T&I Members to Introduce Bipartisan Fair and Open Skies Act

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Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (D-WA) joined Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Vice Chair of the Committee Sharice Davids (D-KS), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Conor Lamb (D-PA), Representative Kaiali'i Kahele (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Representatives Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Jack Bergman (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation seeking to preclude new foreign airlines from operating to and from the United States when they exploit “flags of convenience” to avoid the regulations of their home countries, or otherwise undermine labor standards.

Chair Larsen Opening Statement at Aviation Subcommittee Hearing on "The Leading Edge: Innovation in U.S. Aerospace”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) delivered the below opening statement at today’s House Aviation Subcommittee hearing entitled "The Leading Edge: Innovation in U.S. Aerospace.” More information about Tuesday’s hearing, including witnesses, testimony, additional background information and live webcast, can be found here. For video of…

Chairs DeFazio and Larsen Lead 15 Members on Legislation to Protect Public Health in the Aviation Sector During a Pandemic

| Posted in Press Releases

Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Rick Larsen (D-WA) led 15 of their colleagues on introduction of the Healthy Flights Act of 2021. This legislation would issue a set of commonsense, uniform requirements during pandemics to help keep passengers and airline and airport workers healthy by minimizing transmission of viruses through our aviation system. In addition, the Healthy Flights Act would help prepare U.S. aviation stakeholders for future pandemics and epidemics through the development of a national preparedness plan to define the aviation system’s response to outbreaks and by advancing scientific research

Larsen Provision to Save Aviation Jobs Included in American Rescue Plan

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The American Rescue Plan includes bipartisan language Larsen championed that will save aviation and aerospace jobs in Washington state and across the country. The provision helps cover pay and benefits for aerospace supply chain employees at risk of being furloughed or who were furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeFazio and Larsen Encourage FAA Administrator to Use the Full Weight of Federal Law to Protect Airline Passengers and Crews Ahead of Inauguration

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After last week’s deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, groups are reportedly planning to return to D.C. next week to sow discord Among other things, DeFazio and Larsen urge the FAA Administrator to both pursue stiff civil penalties against those who interfere with crewmembers’ duties, as well as refer violations to the Department of Justice and other authorities