WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) that adds Mount Vernon as a court location in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The bill, which previously passed the Senate, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 404 to 3, and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

This change makes it easier for Skagit, Snohomish and Island County residents to access federal justice system services and attend court. Currently, the Western District of Washington has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma and holds hearings in Bellingham and Vancouver.

Larsen and DelBene, who previously introduced similar legislation in the 117th and 116th Congresses, celebrated House passage of the bill.

“Including Mount Vernon as a court location for the Western District of Washington is great news for residents of Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties who need to access the federal justice system. This change benefits many defendants, attorneys, witnesses and staff who live and work in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen.

"All Washingtonians should have equal access to our federal justice system, yet residents in Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties do not. Lengthy travel times make it harder for witnesses, defendants, lawyers, and law enforcement to participate in proceedings. Establishing court proceedings in Mount Vernon will help tackle this issue by providing a centralized location that cuts travel and makes our legal system more efficient and accessible for everyone,” said Rep. DelBene. “This legislation is long overdue, and I want to thank Rep. Larsen and Sen. Cantwell for their partnership in getting this over the finish line.”

The legislation is supported by the judges of the Western District of Washington, the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, the Federal Public Defender for Western Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Skagit County Bar Association and the Whatcom County Bar Association.

The bill’s text can be read here.

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