Larsen, Rick RSS Articles

Larsen Condemns San Diego Shooting at Mosque

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“My thoughts are with the families of the people killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego. I reject hate and violence, and I stand with Muslim communities in Northwest Washington as they mourn this tragedy.”

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Larsen Releases Statement on Today's Votes

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

"I missed votes today for an important family commitment. I will be present and voting when the House returns to session next week."

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Larsen Announces Release of COVID-19 Reimbursement Funds to Washington State

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal emergency funding helped support an unprecedented public health response in Washington state. FEMA finally releasing these reimbursements helps replenish coffers and strengthen health care systems, which protects affordable health care options for local families.

“I will keep working to ensure that Northwest Washington health care systems, departments and providers – including Skagit Regional, Island Hospital, WhidbeyHealth, PeaceHealth, Providence Regional in Everett, Swedish Health in Edmonds, local county and city departments of health and more – are reimbursed for the investments they made in keeping people safe and healthy.”

Today, FEMA released $538.5 million to reimburse Washington state health care departments and systems for their costs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

- $1.96 million to Skagit County Public Health Hospital District #1
- $4.1 million to PeaceHealth
- $7.2 million to Swedish Health Services
- $6.1 million to Providence Health & Services Washington
- $262.95 million to Washington State Department of Health
- $2.24 million to Washington State Military Department

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA.

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WA Legislators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Funding for Local Drug Task Forces to Combat Opioids

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to 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.

“We have made progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic in recent years, but there is more work to be done,” said Rep. Larsen. “Local, state and Tribal law enforcement officers have told me they often lack the funding and resources to stem the flow of opioids harming their communities. This bill invests in and empowers multi-jurisdictional task forces to get more opioids and fentanyl off our streets – a critical investment that will save lives.”

“Law enforcement makes real sacrifices to their personal safety to stop Fentanyl trafficking - inherently drug trafficking happens across jurisdictional boundaries and requires the multi-jurisdictional approach,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This funding makes all the sense in the world and I’m proud to help honor the sacrifice of our law enforcement by ensuring they’ve got the tools they need to most effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.”

“In order to reverse the fentanyl crisis that has plagued Central Washington, and our nation as a whole, there needs to be an all-hands-on-deck approach to crack down on opioid trafficking,” said Rep. Newhouse. “State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies need additional resources and improved coordination to tackle this issue head on and make our communities safer. This legislation builds off of my Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025 because ending the fentanyl crisis must be a bipartisan effort. I thank Rep. Larsen for providing additional legislation to continue fighting this epidemic.”

According to preliminary data, in 2025 there were 2,170 fatal opioid overdoses in Washington state, a 12.8% decrease from 2024, and 11,122 suspected opioid overdose emergency department visits, a 16.6% decrease from 2024.

What Are Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces?

In Washington state and around the country, law enforcement agencies partner across jurisdictions to form task forces that coordinate information, resources and staff to target the illegal distribution of drugs at the local and regional levels.

Washington state currently has 16 active multi-jurisdictional task forces (MJTFs). For example, the Whatcom County Drug Task Force is staffed by investigative personnel from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Bellingham Police Department, with support from local police departments in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas; the U.S. Border Patrol; the Washington State Patrol; and the Washington State Department of Corrections.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program is the leading source of federal justice funding for states, tribes and local governments supporting a range of criminal legal system improvement and community advancement initiatives, including MJTFs.

In 2023, Washington state announced it was reducing funds it historically guaranteed for MJTFs through the Byrne JAG program. At the time, Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, Newhouse and four other members of Washington’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Governor Jay Inslee to emphasize the importance of Byrne JAG funding to continuing the work of Washington’s 16 MJTFs. Without guaranteeing an alternative source of funding, task forces across Washington state are at immediate risk of closure and those that remain open will need to greatly reduce their working capacity. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would establish a dedicated funding stream to ensure these MJTFs have the resources they need.

What Does the Bill Do?

The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would:

Expand and formalize an existing Department of Justice (DOJ) program administered by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office – the Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) – to fund multi-jurisdictional task forces to target opioid trafficking.

Help law enforcement expand partnerships across federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to address opioid trafficking.

Allow funds to be used to create new, or expand existing, muti-jurisdictional drug task forces; hire and train law enforcement offices and other support employees; procure equipment, technology, and support systems; and pay overtime.

Require 40 percent of funding to be made directly available to Indian Tribes (20 percent) and MJTFs (20 percent), which will help promote local law enforcement goals and limit the administrative burdens and additional requirements associated with using pass-through entities to secure funding.

Authorize funding that doubles the amount historically provided to the AHTF to robustly support MTJFs and anti-trafficking efforts.

Permit the COPS director to provide technical assistance, including through training centers and facilities, to instruct law enforcement and MJTFs on best practices for combating opioid trafficking

A fact sheet on the legislation is available HERE.

What Stakeholders Are Saying About the Bill

Representatives from MJTFs and stakeholder organizations emphasized the importance of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to combating the opioid epidemic.

National

National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC) President Tony Kestner:

"The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition commends Representatives Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Newhouse for their work and introduction of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act. Greater investment in resources for drug enforcement efforts – particularly multi-jurisdictional drug task forces – is needed to counter the alarming trend of drug poisoning. Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces have generated best practices in information sharing, case deconfliction, and institutional coordination against local and regional drug threats. Given the diversification of Byrne JAG funding for purposes other than multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in some states, this legislation will provide much needed dedicated funding to address the drug poisoning epidemics in our communities.”

Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) Executive Director Megan Noland:

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) applauds Representatives Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Newhouse for their efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic and for advocating for essential resources to support our mission of protecting communities across the nation. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would provide law enforcement with critical tools to target drug traffickers and prevent fentanyl from entering our communities. We appreciate that the bill would provide dedicated resources to support local multi-jurisdictional drug task forces.”

National Sheriffs’ Association: Read their original letter in support of the legislation HERE.

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has also endorsed the legislation.

Local

Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association (WSNIA) President Chris Foreman: Read their original letter in support of the legislation HERE.

Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Executive Director Steve Strachan:

"WASPC is pleased to endorse this proposal and really appreciates Reps. Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Newhouse's support and advocacy for Washington's multi-jurisdictional drug task forces."

Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) Executive Board:

“The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force Executive Board supports and values Congressman Larsen’s effort to combat illicit drugs like fentanyl through the ‘End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act.’ Fentanyl and its many analogs pose a substantial threat to the citizens of Snohomish County, both directly and indirectly, due to their broad harmful effects. Substance use and opioid use disorders devastate families, businesses, and communities. Congressman Larsen’s balanced approach to addressing this public health dilemma is commendable.”

Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit (SCIDEU) Commander Tobin Meyer:

"Rep. Larsen has remained a strong advocate and supporter of multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, including the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit (SCIDEU), which consists of detectives and federal drug enforcement agents from across the north Puget Sound region.

Local and regional multi-jurisdictional drug task forces are vital to national security and public health. These teams work tirelessly to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into our nation and state, working hand-in-hand with the DEA, FBI, and other federal partners to dismantle mid- and upper-level drug trafficking organizations. SCIDEU, and other teams like ours, play a key law enforcement role in tackling transnational drug trafficking organizations and support the extradition and indictment of major international cartel leadership.

A lack of dedicated funding now threatens the viability of these efforts in Washington State and across the nation.

SCIDEU is proud to support the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act.

We are thankful for Reps. Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Newhouse and their teams’ support in our mission to keep our communities safe, enjoyable and healthy for all.”

Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF) Executive Board Member and Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley:

“I fully support the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Force Act legislation to establish dedicated federal funding for multi-jurisdictional task forces (MJTFs). The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF), established in 1988, is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies hosted by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. Partner agencies include the Bellingham Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This multi-jurisdictional unit is dedicated to preventing drug-related crimes, overdoses, and deaths, thereby significantly improving community safety.

In 2024, the task force made 27 federal arrests and 58 arrests within Whatcom County. Notably, their efforts led to the seizure of over 700,000 Fentanyl pills and 51 firearms, among other significant seizures. The WRDTF's exceptional work was recently recognized at the 2025 National High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Awards ceremony near Washington, D.C., receiving the Community Impact Investigation award for disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations. The WRDTF's achievements highlight the value of continued support and legislation, such as the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act, in further addressing the opioid crisis and promoting community safety.”

Tulalip Tribes Chair Hazen Shopbell:

“The drug trafficking distribution network has expanded throughout Washington State and into our tribal communities, crossing jurisdictional boundaries and exploiting law enforcement resources and jurisdictional gaps. The Tulalip Indian Reservation is located adjacent to Interstate-5, a major thoroughfare for fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The Tulalip Police Department needs improvements to technology and sufficient resources to create a multi-jurisdictional approach to combat the opioid crisis that has had devastating effects on tribal members, their families, and many Washingtonians. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Force Act will do just this. We urge Congress to pass this important piece of legislation.”

Lummi Indian Business Council Chairman Anthony Hillaire: Read their original letter in support of the legislation HERE.

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Larsen Announces New Flood Recovery Funds for Whatcom County

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“This $3.7 million is great news for Whatcom County families. These dollars will directly help local folks get back on track after the devastating floods in November 2021. I am glad the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released these long-overdue funds, and I will keep fighting for federal dollars to help Northwest Washington communities recover from natural disasters and prepare for future disasters.”

FEMA announced the release of $3.7 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for homeowners in Everson, Lynden, Ferndale, and Bellingham to support buyouts for flood-damaged homes. Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight over FEMA.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were impacted by disastrous flooding in November 2021, which damaged critical infrastructure and over 2,000 homes. In December 2021, 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. He followed up on flood recovery efforts in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearings on FEMA disaster preparedness in 2023 and called attention to the agency’s failure to provide effective assistance to residents in Whatcom County.

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.

More recently, Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the December 2025 floods. In March, 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 April, Rep. Larsen welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state, and criticized FEMA’s decision to deny Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assistance.

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Larsen Honors Law Enforcement During National Police Week, Fights to Expand Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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 opioid epidemic deserve dedicated federal funding to support their critical work. I introduced legislation today to give multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task forces the support they need to keep up the momentum in the fight against opioids. I will keep working to get our police officers the tools they need to stop trafficking and save lives.”

National Police Week 2026 is celebrated from May 11 through May 17 to honor the sacrifices law enforcement officers make to keep communities safe and to remember the officers who have died in the line of duty.

Today, Rep. Larsen introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act with Washington Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04). This bipartisan 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.

Larsen Leads Fight against Opioid Crisis in Northwest Washington

Rep. Larsen is focused on supporting local law enforcement in their fight against the opioid epidemic. In 2024, he published a districtwide opioid report that outlines a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. Since the publication of that report, Larsen has introduced four pieces of legislation to fight fentanyl in Northwest Washington:

The PROTECT Act, which gives Tribal courts and law enforcement more tools and resources to combat the opioid epidemic.

The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, which creates employment opportunities for people in recovery and supports communities impacted by widespread opioid use.

The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act, which establishes a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.

The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which expands access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhances the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

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Larsen Defends Reproductive Health Care

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would restrict access to mifepristone by reinstating a requirement that the drug be dispensed in person. Last week, the Fifth Circuit blocked access to mifepristone nationwide at retail pharmacies and in the mail, prompting the Supreme Court to temporarily restore access to the medication while the case proceeds on its emergency docket.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. The Fifth Circuit’s decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but also undermines the evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe. Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the members wrote.

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling last week was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients nationwide.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider. Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

First approved in 2000 after extensive clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, mifepristone has been shown to be safe and effective for over 25 years. The medication is used in roughly 60 percent of abortions nationwide, and about 1 in 4 abortion patients use telemedicine to receive abortion care.

In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators. The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.

Larsen Fights for the Right to Choose, Reproductive Health Care

Rep. Larsen is a champion of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide. Larsen supports suspending the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which re-establishes a nationwide right to abortion and enshrines the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He also supports protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country, including in rural communities, and protecting a woman’s right to travel across state lines to receive abortion care.

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Larsen Demands ICE Accountability; Votes to Fund FEMA, U.S. Coast Guard, TSA

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“I am proud to have supported bipartisan legislation to pay FEMA staff, Coasties, TSA agents, CISA experts and other DHS employees who do important work to protect our country. The people I represent need a fully functional FEMA to recover from December’s devastating floods. Passing this funding today is critical to disaster recovery and mitigation in Northwest Washington and around the country.

“The Senate passed this bipartisan legislation weeks ago, and I am glad House Republicans finally came to their senses and allowed the House to fund disaster relief, keep Americans safe and pay hard-working public servants.

“Since the beginning of the DHS shutdown, I have fought to pay DHS staff and require ICE to follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency. While hard-working families are struggling to afford health care and gas, Republicans voted to hand billions and billions of dollars to ICE and CBP with zero reforms and accountability.

“This fight is not over. I will continue to oppose full-year funding for ICE and CBP until their agents are required to follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency.”

Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to fund every agency within the Department of Homeland Security except ICE and CBP. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Rep. Larsen also voted against a Fiscal Year 2026 budget resolution that will begin a process to negotiate funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill passed the House by a vote of 215 to 211.

Rep. Larsen cosponsors legislation to fully fund FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA and every other agency within DHS except ICE, CBP and the Office of the DHS Secretary. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Larsen Fights for Lower Costs; Supports Farmers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Republicans are doing nothing in this Farm Bill to lower food prices for families, lower costs for farmers or lower tariffs for small businesses. This bill also does nothing to address the sky-high fertilizer and fuel costs caused by Trump’s illegal war in Iran. Congress should be helping farmers stay afloat, not hanging them out to dry.

“Republicans also blocked an amendment I supported to repeal the Big Ugly Law’s cuts to food assistance. Just in Washington state, the Big Ugly Law will take away 129,000 people’s SNAP benefits. I cannot support legislation that abandons hungry children and families.

“I will keep fighting to support Northwest Washington farmers and lower costs for all Americans.”

Today, Rep. Larsen voted against the 2026 Farm Bill. The legislation passed on a 224-200 vote.

Rep. Larsen offered an amendment to the 2026 Farm Bill that would increase funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) from $10 million to $15 million. FRSAN provides funding to reduce stress and improve the behavioral health of farmers and ranchers. Washington State University leads the program in the Northwest. Republicans did not allow the amendment to be considered for inclusion in the final Farm Bill.

Rep. Larsen also cosponsored an amendment to repeal the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law (BUL). This amendment is based on Rep. Hayes’ Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act, legislation that Larsen cosponsored to remove all the SNAP cuts in the BUL. Republicans did not allow this amendment to be considered for inclusion in the final bill.

Nearly one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits every month to purchase food. As a result of the BUL, 129,000 Washingtonians will lose their SNAP benefits if they fail to meet new work requirements, and 75,000 households will see a reduction in their monthly benefits. In Washington state, 25,801 people have already lost SNAP benefits because of the BUL.

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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 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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