Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement on the Trump administration's attacks on academic freedom and access to education:

“The Trump administration is attacking colleges and universities to exact political revenge. These tactics will fail, and I stand with Harvard and all educational institutions against the President’s unlawful attempts to bully his opponents into silence.

“The Administration should be investing in research and young people to keep the U.S. globally innovative and competitive. Instead, it is slashing funding that supports cutting-edge science, hard-working students and local jobs.

“In Northwest Washington, funding cuts have jeopardized climate resiliency research at the University of Washington and Mars sample testing at Western Washington University. Funding cuts are also threatening the Federal TRIO Programs and Pell Grants, which have a proven track record of helping low-income and first-generation students succeed.

“I will continue to fight against the Trump administration’s budget cuts, and to fight for academic freedom, college affordability, and keeping the U.S. globally innovative and competitive.”

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