Larsen, Rick RSS Articles

Larsen Announces Release of $22 Million to Improve Northwest Washington Port Infrastructure

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:

“This funding is fantastic news for Northwest Washington ports,” said Rep. Larsen. “The Port of Everett and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will put these dollars to good use constructing and modernizing piers for commercial fishing and cargo operations. These ports are cornerstones of the local economy and these funds will allow them to expand their regional and global reach. I am glad to have been able to play a role in advocating for these funds, and I will keep working to bring home federal dollars to upgrade port infrastructure and create jobs in Northwest Washington.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that two projects in the Second District will receive grants under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Maritime Administration (MARAD) administers PIDP grants to projects that improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of moving goods in and out of ports.

The Port of Everett was awarded $11.25 million to support the modernization of Pier 3 to include selective demolition, pile installation, resurfacing, filling and paving surfaces and procurement and installation. Pier 3 was constructed in 1973 and is the Port of Everett’s largest pier. This project will repair damage from chemical deterioration and replace aging infrastructure. The upgrades will also diversify the cargo that can be handled at Pier 3 and improve the safety of this valuable part of supply chain infrastructure for maritime users and port operations.

“The Port Infrastructure Development Program is crucial to help public ports make critical investments in the region’s economy,” said Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber. “This investment in our international terminal will strengthen infrastructure, creating and preserving jobs here and throughout Snohomish County. The Port of Everett is grateful for the investment by the U.S. Department of Transportation and for Congressman Larsen’s support of an infrastructure project that will help strengthen the economy of Washington state.”

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community was awarded $10.8 million for the construction of a new commercial pier, covered storage, renovation of three moorage piers and the design of a new fish processing plant. Currently, the Port of Swinomish lacks a location to consolidate their fishing fleet and store fishing equipment. The project previously received an $11 million PIDP grant in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) for the first phase of this project to design and develop port facilities. This new PIDP award will go towards the construction of the facilities in the second phase of the Port of Swinomish project.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Larsen for supporting this grant,” said Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards. “The commercial dock funded by this award allows us to continue to exercise our treaty fishing rights and is an important next step in the development of the Port of Swinomish.”

Larsen Brings Home Millions for Northwest Washington Infrastructure Projects

Larsen has been a steadfast advocate for federal funding to support Northwest Washington’s port infrastructure. In 2024, he celebrated the release of $18.3 million in PIDP grants for projects in the Second District funded by the BIL. Those grants included awarding the Port of Anacortes a $7.4 million grant to help demolish and replace the 47-year-old commercial T-Dock, and awarding Lummi Nation more than $10.9 million to demolish and replace a pier at Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point Waterfront. Since 2021, the BIL has invested hundreds of millions into transportation projects located in the Second District.

Larsen has secured more than $75 million for 55 projects in Northwest Washington state through earmarks in annual spending bills. In spending bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), Rep. Larsen secured over $13.9 million for 15 projects, including $1.2 million to reconstruct the Port of Edmonds’ North Portwalk and seawall and $250,000 to replace the Port of Everett’s South Marina Terminal. Rep. Larsen requested $77 million for 20 local projects in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) spending bills.

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Larsen Celebrates New Edgewater Bridge

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:

“The new-and-improved Edgewater Bridge will open to traffic today!” said Rep. Larsen. “The last Edgewater Bridge lasted almost 80 years, and the new bridge will serve drivers and pedestrians for the next 100 years. I am glad to have been able to play a role in making this project happen, and I will keep working to bring federal dollars home to replace aging infrastructure and create local jobs.”

The Edgewater Bridge was built in 1946, and needed repairs to make it safe and durable for commuters. The project to replace the bridge received more than $28 million in federal funding, including an $850K earmark that Rep. Larsen secured and $25 million in pass-through funding from WSDOT’s Local Bridge Program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Larsen helped negotiate, provided around $13 million of the Local Bridge Program funding.

Rep. Larsen visited the Edgewater Bridge on January 27^th with Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.

Larsen Brings Home Millions for Northwest Washington Infrastructure Projects

Larsen has secured more than $75 million for 55 projects in Northwest Washington state through earmarks in annual spending bills. In last year’s spending bills, Rep. Larsen secured over $13.9 million for 15 projects, including $1.2 million to reconstruct the Port of Edmonds’ North portwalk and seawall and $1 million to relocate Pepin Creek in Lynden.

Rep. Larsen requested $77 million for 20 local projects in next year’s spending bills. The requests include funds to replace a public dock on Orcas Island, elevate vulnerable sections of one of the only roads into Lummi nation and relocate Whatcom Fire Station #81 out of a FEMA designated floodplain.

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Larsen Releases Statement on Attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I condemn the attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and all politically motivated violence. I am grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who acted quickly to prevent any deaths, and I hope the Secret Service agent who was injured makes a full recovery.”

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Larsen Announces Release of Flood Mitigation Funds for Snohomish County

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“This is great news for flood mitigation efforts in Snohomish County,” said Rep. Larsen. “These federal dollars will help local experts review flood data and the resilience of current flood structures to keep the community safe from future floods. I will keep fighting for funding to help Northwest Washington communities recover from recent natural disasters and prepare for future disasters.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced yesterday that it has approved a $300,000 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant for the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management. The FMA grant will identify cost-effective approaches for future flood mitigation. It will provide funding to review historical flood data throughout Snohomish County, assess the current condition of flood control structures and analyze the highest priority concerns to support future mitigation efforts.

Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management applied for the FMA grant in 2023. The grant was approved in June 2025 but required then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s signature before it could be finalized. Rep. Larsen joined Representatives Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier in a letter to Secretary Noem last December urging FEMA to finalize the grant.

FEMA also announced yesterday that it approved $930,000 for the City of Enumclaw for culvert design replacement to reduce flooding from the Newaukum Creek and $180,000 for the Washington State Department of Ecology to develop a flood risk reduction strategy to frequently flooded areas. In total, FEMA announced the release of $250 million for over 100 flood mitigation projects nationwide.

Larsen Fights for Flood Mitigation Dollars for Local Communities

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight over FEMA. After disastrous flooding in Northwest Washington in November 2021 damaged critical infrastructure and over 2,000 homes, Rep. Larsen joined Washington’s congressional delegation in a letter to then-President Joe Biden to support Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for federal Individual Assistance. Last month, Larsen applauded the release of almost $4 million in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to elevate 16 homes in Whatcom County.

More recently, Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the December 2025 floods. Last month, Rep. Larsen applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by December’s floods. In February, Rep. Larsen also joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation last month in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding. In January, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. The Major Disaster Declarations for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance were approved earlier this month.

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Larsen Statement on Trump Administration Denying Flood Mitigation Funds Following December Floods

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“This is an unacceptable decision for the families and businesses that I represent," said Rep. Larsen. “The disaster declaration helps people recover from the last flood, but hazard mitigation helps people survive the next flood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be helping Northwest Washington prepare for the inevitable next major flood, not just doing damage control. I just visited a hazard mitigation project in Ferndale and saw firsthand how elevating homes is going to save lives and prevent damage during the next flood. I will keep working to secure federal dollars that protect homes and businesses from future flood damage.”

Today, FEMA announced that it has denied Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assistance for the December floods.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery and Mitigation Resources

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight over FEMA. After disastrous flooding in Northwest Washington in November 2021 damaged critical infrastructure and over 2,000 homes, Rep. Larsen joined Washington’s congressional delegation in a letter to then-President Joe Biden to support Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for federal Individual Assistance. Last month, Larsen applauded the release of almost $4 million in HMGP funds to elevate 16 homes in Whatcom County. Rep. Larsen visited a Ferndale home that is being elevated thanks to HMGP funds on April 10.

Rep. Larsen is leading bipartisan legislation to reform FEMA, which would streamline the federal government’s disaster response and recovery programs while also making FEMA a cabinet-level agency once again. The bill rewards effective state and local preparedness, cuts red tape and ensures that relief efforts are fast, fair and free from political bias. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Rep. Larsen's Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 in September 2025.

Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the December 2025 floods. Last month, Rep. Larsen applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by December’s floods. In February, Rep. Larsen also joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation last month in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding. In January, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. The Major Disaster Declarations for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance were approved earlier this month.

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Larsen Leads Bill to Expand Access to Flu Vaccines

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) reintroduced legislation to strengthen the federal response to seasonal and pandemic influenza (“The Influenza Act”).

"Catching the flu can mean long-term health consequences, lost time at work and school, missed time with loved ones and in severe cases, death,” said Rep. Larsen. “Strengthening U.S. flu infrastructure is especially important in light of the ill-informed decision by the Secretary of Defense to no longer require flu shots for America’s servicemembers. Congress must take action to make sure flu vaccines are available for anyone who wants one and to prepare for future outbreaks."

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has classified the ‘25-’26 flu season as a “high severity season for children,” estimating that 143 children have died from the flu so far. 85% of those children were not fully vaccinated against the flu.

Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) have signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation.

The Coalition to Stop Flu also expressed its support for the Influenza Act:

“For far too long, our country has seemingly accepted tens of thousands of annual deaths from flu as inevitable — including the 293 children who lost their lives to flu last season,” said Tom Daschle, former Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Coalition to Stop Flu. “And pandemic influenza remains an extraordinary threat to our nation’s health and prosperity. More can, and must, be done. The Influenza Act provides commonsense solutions to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to seasonal and pandemic flu.”

“Physicians across Washington see firsthand the toll influenza takes on our patients, especially the most vulnerable,” said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, President of the Washington State Medical Association. “The Washington State Medical Association supports the Influenza Act because it strengthens the tools we rely on—vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments—while expanding access and improving public confidence. This is a critical step toward reducing preventable illness and saving lives.”

What Does the Influenza Act Do?

The Influenza Act would build on the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy to strengthen the federal government’s seasonal and pandemic influenza ecosystem.

The legislation would speed up vaccine development for new flu variants, invest in new flu detection technologies and authorize funding for federal programs that research influenza treatment and support critical health infrastructure. The bill would also require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to devise a strategy to distribute vaccines to areas that urgently need more supplies and conduct outreach efforts in rural communities about vaccine misinformation. The Influenza Act would strengthen efforts to develop an influenza vaccine that combats all flu variants. It also aims to address gaps in vaccine accessibility and confidence so that people understand the science supporting flu vaccines.

You can access the full text of the Influenza Act HERE.

You can access a one-pager on the Influenza Act HERE.

Why the Influenza Act Matters

Often underestimated, seasonal and pandemic flu are real and enduring challenges to public health. During the ‘24-’25 season, 293 children died from the flu nationwide, the highest recorded amount since the CDC started tracking the figure in 2004. For the current season, the CDC estimates as many as 31 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 23,000 deaths from the flu through April 11, 2026.

A recent study showed influenza cost the U.S. economy $29 billion from direct medical costs ($16 billion) and productivity losses ($13 billion) in the '23-'24 flu season.

Larsen Works to Combat Flu and Disease Outbreaks

Rep. Larsen has long supported federal funding for seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure. Larsen previously introduced the Influenza Act in 2023 and 2022. He also introduced two bills to better protect Americans from seasonal and pandemic flu in 2020. In 2022, the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, legislation that Larsen introduced to require the development of a national aviation preparedness plan for future public health emergencies, was signed into law.

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Larsen Encourages Constituents to Get Their Money Back from Trump’s Illegal Tariffs

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I am glad that Northwest Washington businesses that paid Trump’s illegal tariffs can begin to claim refunds today.

“The tariffs have damaged businesses and driven up costs for hard-working families. These refunds force the Trump administration to return the dollars it stole from local businesses.

“I will keep fighting to make sure local Northwest Washington businesses can take back the money that belongs to them as this process moves forward.”

Today, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) launched a refund system for businesses that paid Trump-imposed tariffs. The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs on February 20^th, setting into motion the return of more than $166 billion that the Administration had collected in unconstitutional tariff revenue.

Businesses can access CBP’s tariff refund portal here.

Larsen Fights Against Trump’s Tariffs

Rep. Larsen is a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force and has been a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs. So far this year, he has visited over a dozen businesses, trade roundtables and community organizations to hear about how Trump’s tariffs have impacted them. Rep. Larsen recently visited Goodwinds Composites, Northwest Yarns & Mercantile, TerraVen and EDCO Metal Fabricators, local businesses that have felt the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs.

In February, the House of Representatives voted on a resolution that Larsen co-led to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada. The resolution passed the House 219-211 with bipartisan support. Larsen also applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to slap down Trump’s tariffs.

Last September, Larsen advocated for provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would study the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on military readiness and small businesses essential to the defense industrial base after he heard from companies that had to move work out of the U.S. because of uncertainty over tariffs.

Larsen has consistently pushed back against President Trump’s trade war with Canada and inflammatory statements against Canadian sovereignty. In March 2025, he co-led resolutions that would end President Trump’s authority to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico after the Trump administration placed a 25% tariff on imports from both countries. After the Senate failed to strike down tariffs on Canada last October, he released a statement slamming President Trump’s pointless trade war and how his tariffs have driven up costs for people in Northwest Washington.

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Larsen Honored with Henry M. Jackson Award

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) and Herald Media named Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) the recipient of the 2026 Henry M. Jackson Award.

“It is an honor to represent my friends and neighbors in Northwest Washington in Congress, and it is a responsibility I never take for granted,” said Rep. Larsen. “Scoop Jackson set an example for me in public service. We both had the privilege of representing Washington’s 2nd District and we both have Norwegian roots, but what stood out most was the way Scoop never forgot ‘the better Washington’ while serving in Congress. He fought for the people and communities he represented, for Washington state’s economy and environment, and for civil rights. His example is one every public servant should try to follow. I am grateful to the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County and Herald Media for this recognition.”

Each year, EASC and Herald Media partner to honor business or civic leaders who have helped create a better community or advanced the economic interests of the region.

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House of Representatives. He is a strong advocate for creating good-paying jobs and economic growth in Northwest Washington by investing federal dollars in local infrastructure. Since 2022, Rep. Larsen has brought home more than $75 million in federal funding for 54 Northwest Washington community projects.

The Henry M. Jackson Award is named for the former U.S. senator from Everett. The award was established in 1977 and honors someone who demonstrates exemplary service to the community and is committed to the business interests of the region. This individual drives local, state, and regional initiatives for business, promotes civic, social, and cultural programs, and participates in programs that expand the potential and quality of life in the county.

Last year’s honoree was Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and the previous year’s honoree was Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

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Larsen Welcomes Major Disaster Declaration for Northwest Washington, Urges Fast Relief for Flood-Hit Families and Communities

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state following the severe storms and flooding that hit the state in December.

“This is great news for the Northwest Washington communities that were hit hard by the December floods and need federal support to recover,” said Rep. Larsen. “Yesterday, I visited flood-affected communities, including meeting with the mayors of Nooksack, Sumas and Everson, visiting an SBA Disaster Assistance Center, touring a flood mitigation project in Ferndale that is raising homes out of harm’s way, and meeting with the Whatcom County Fire District to talk about flood recovery and mitigation. I have seen firsthand how hard these communities were hit, and I know how important this declaration is to getting people the help they need. My office will continue working with local jurisdictions and Tribes to ensure everyone eligible for assistance is able to access the federal funds they need. I will continue to work with Secretary Mullin and the President to add resilience funding to this disaster declaration. I witnessed the importance of this money while touring home elevation projects in Ferndale. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get these dollars out the door, and my office is ready to help.”

In Washington’s Second District, the declaration makes Individual Assistance available in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes and Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. The declaration also makes Public Assistance available in Island, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Tulalip Tribes. A full list of counties and Tribes eligible for individual and public assistance is available here.

Under the declaration, Individual Assistance can help eligible individuals and households with disaster-related needs, while Public Assistance can support emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities.

More information about the declaration and the portal to apply for release are available here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

As the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen has a leading role on the committee that oversees FEMA, and he advocated for this declaration with the administration, including directly with FEMA Acting Administrator Karen S. Evans.

In February, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for FEMA Public Assistance. In January, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. In December, Rep. Larsen joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for Washington state—that request was approved.

Larsen has been working with local leaders, first responders, Tribal governments and federal partners to support flood recovery efforts across Northwest Washington and to help communities secure the resources they need not only to recover, but to reduce future flood risk.

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Larsen Condemns Trump's Unhinged & Violent Comments

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democratic Leadership in the following statement:

“Donald Trump is completely unhinged. His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response. The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III.

“For years, Republicans have enabled and excused Donald Trump’s deeply dangerous and extreme behavior. Enough is enough. Our brave men and women in uniform have been put into harm’s way in the Middle East. Over a dozen have already been killed and hundreds injured. Gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of living in America is out of control and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on a reckless war of choice.

“It’s time for House Republicans to put patriotic duty over party loyalty and join Democrats in stopping this madness.”

This morning, President Trump threatened that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 p.m.

In March, Rep. Larsen voted against President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. He continues to honor and respect the women and men of the United States military.

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Larsen to Host Third COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 20 May 2020 20:00:00 GMT

EVERETT, WA - Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) will host a live telephone town hall to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic with Second District residents. Suzan “Suzi” LeVine, Commissioner of the Washington Employment Security Department, will join Larsen to hear residents’ concerns and help answer questions about benefits available to Washingtonians suffering from the virus’ impacts.

Last month, Larsen hosted a COVID-19 telephone town hall with LeVine and Duane Fladland, Director of the Washington Small Business Development Center. This year, Larsen has held public forums in Mountlake Terrace, Sedro-Woolley, Bow, Clinton, Stanwood, Brier, Eastsound, Oak Harbor and Anacortes. In 2019, Larsen held twenty community forums across the Second District, including ten Community Coffees, six Veterans Forums and four Town Talks.

This telephone town hall is open to the public and the press. Please RSVP to Joseph Tutino at Joseph.Tutino@mail.house.gov.

Wednesday, May 20

Larsen will host live telephone town hall

Begins at 4:00 p.m. PDT

Dial in: 855.962.0954

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