SC news: Rep. Larsen resumes aviation post in Congress

By SC News Staff 

The U.S. House of Representatives has re-appointed U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) as the top-ranking democrat on the House Subcommittee on Aviation. Larsen also is joining the subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard and regulation of ocean shipping and the Merchant Marines, according to a news release.

Among the Congressional District 2 representative’s accomplishments on the committee are the new bipartisan FAA Veteran Transition Improvement Act and standards for airplane lavatory access among passengers with disabilities in a recent FAA bill.

Larsen said he plans to continue on the work he previously focused on in the committee — “bolstering growth and safety in our nation’s aviation system – and the tens of thousands of jobs in the Pacific Northwest that depend on that system.”

He said he aims to help establish rules for use of drones and commercial space aircraft, assure long-term funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and advocate against privatizing the nation’s air traffic control system.

“Additionally, I look forward to supporting Washington’s maritime industry,” he said.