Opioids & Law Enforcement

Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act to promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and provide support to communities impacted by widespread substance use.  “The opioid epidemic continues to… Read more »

“Access to the world of books through libraries changes lives. Prison libraries provide incarcerated people with important tools and opportunities for growth. This bill will study prison libraries and their effectiveness to reinforce the work prison libraries do to help incarcerated people return to society successfully.” Read more »

The legislation would establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country. The bill’s introduction coincides with National Police Week, celebrated from May 11th through May 17th to recognize the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make to keep communities safe across the United States. Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend Northwest Washington communities every day. This week and every week, I honor their courage, sacrifice and dedication, and I remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty. “Local police officers on the front lines of the… Read more »

Today, Rep. Larsen released the following statement about actions within the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills to combat the opioid epidemic in Northwest Washington: “The opioid crisis has devastated families and communities in Northwest Washington, and while we have made progress reducing deaths and disrupting trafficking, there is more to be done,” said Rep. Larsen. “I have… Read more »

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) cheered the reinstatement of nearly $2 billion in grants to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including seven Health Care Authority-administered grants in Washington state. The reinstatement of this funding, which spanned thousands of grants across the nation addressing issues from youth overdose prevention to… Read more »

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:  “I condemn the senseless violence committed in Washington D.C. against two brave National Guard members. I support local and federal law enforcement efforts to hold the shooter accountable. My thoughts are with the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, and with Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe as he fights for… Read more »

Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement: "I condemn any violence in Los Angeles and interference with law enforcement activities that seems to involve only a limited number of demonstrators. "Americans have the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and protest, and I support peaceful protestors. Individuals that broke the law during the protests in… Read more »

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities. The PROTECT Act would expand Special Tribal Criminal… Read more »

Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act to expand access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhance the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic. Read more »