Larsen, Rick RSS Articles

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 Requests $77 Million for Local Job-Creating Infrastructure, Public Safety

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $77,113,331 for 20 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills.

“This funding will create good-paying local jobs and improve infrastructure, public safety and education in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I will keep working with local leaders to bring home federal money to support working families and strengthen our communities.”

Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government. The spending bills will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $13.9 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending packages.

Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests

Larsen requested the following federal funding to invest in Northwest Washington communities:

Improving Public Health and Safety

- Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: The funding will expand and upgrade the district’s centralized wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable wastewater treatment for residents, businesses and visitors in Eastsound and on Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

- Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: The funding will add equipment for a new operating suite dedicated to obstetrics and upgrade the existing surgical suite at Island Hospital, improving the hospital’s maternal and neonatal health capabilities, especially for rural communities and military families. ($2,715,000)

- Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: The funding will design, engineer and construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along Broadway Avenue in Everett to significantly reduce the risk of accidents. ($3,000,000)

- Island County Sheriff Radio Upgrade Project: The funding will upgrade their aging handheld and mobile radios, allowing the radios to be interoperable with other federal, state and local radio systems. ($1,459,405)

- Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: The funding will expand the entrance of Cordata Elementary School to ensure that access is controlled and meets the district’s safety standards. ($300,000)

Investing in Job-Creating Infrastructure

- Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: The funding will replace a structurally deficient public dock that community members rely on to conduct essential business and receive services on rural Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

- Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: The funding will build a facility that will provide comprehensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel qualification, supporting the aviation and manufacturing sectors that are critical to Washington state’s economy. ($3,000,000)

- Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: The funding will design and construct an in-water fueling station at Blaine Harbor to serve commercial fishing, seafood processing, marine trades and recreational users. ($2,800,000)

Strengthening Local Emergency Response

- Slater Road Elevation Construction: The funding will elevate vulnerable sections of Slater Road, one of the only access routes serving the Lummi Indian Reservation and Lummi Island, and replace bridge infrastructure to protect against flooding risks. ($15,000,000)

- Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation out of the Floodplain: The funding will relocate the district’s primary fire station in Everson, out of a FEMA designated floodplain, strengthening regional disaster resilience and ensuring equitable access to reliable emergency services for rural and Tribal populations. ($11,032,429)

- Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: The funding will develop a dual-use emergency facility that will function as a disaster shelter, an emergency supply coordination hub and a meeting and operations space during floods and other emergencies. ($1,500,000)

- Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: The funding will construct a 3,680 square foot addition to house new vehicles and equipment, enhance training capabilities, revamp space for medical and health care providers and provide dorm space for volunteers. ($1,451,247)

- Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: The funding will purchase and install new emergency generators and associated infrastructure for county government offices, preventing disruptions to essential county operations during power outages. ($1,031,250)

Investing in Schools and Education

- Mariner Library and Community Campus: The funding will build an expanded public library to provide educational opportunities, workforce training, job search assistance, small business support and access to high-speed internet and technology, serving more than 12,000 residents annually. ($10,000,000)

- Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: The funding will replace a failing oil-fired boiler system with modern electric heat pump boilers, upgraded electrical infrastructure and backup power generation, ensuring reliable heating and support emergency response and temporary sheltering capability for east Skagit County. ($4,500,000)

Protecting Local Environment and Water Access

- Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: The funding will daylight Japanese Gulch Creek and create a nearshore estuary, revitalizing the stream corridor for salmon rearing and improving an informal walking path with a multiuse path, soft armored shoreline protection and pedestrian amenities. ($2,124,000)

- Channel Drive Waterline: The funding will replace a failing waterline in La Conner and provide clean drinking water for nearly 100 residents, as well as an adequate supply of water for fire protection needs. ($1,500,000)

- Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: The funding will replace the existing Division 22-1 drinking water reservoir to improve the water supply's seismic resiliency to protect the water and fire protection services for 1,000 people. ($700,000)

Investing in Critical Infrastructure

- Concrete Sauk Valley Road Bank Stabilization: The funding will repair an eroding riverbank that supports Concrete Sauk Valley Road in eastern Skagit County, allowing the road to reopen and avoid a 32-mile detour that delays the reliable movement of freight, add costs for businesses and motorists and significantly harms the response time of emergency services. ($5,000,000)

- Hub Building Restoration Project: The funding will restore a historic building for use as a public events center, creating a gathering space for community groups and the general public. ($2,000,000)

What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying

On the Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: “The Eastsound Sewer & Water District is grateful to Rick Larsen for his support of this critical investment in our community’s wastewater infrastructure. This funding would help advance Phase II of our treatment plant upgrades, improving reliability, expanding capacity, and enhancing nutrient removal to protect the waters of Puget Sound. For a small rural community like Eastsound, projects of this scale place a significant burden on local ratepayers. Federal support through Community Project Funding is essential to ensuring we can complete these necessary improvements while maintaining affordability for our residents. We appreciate Congressman Larsen’s continued commitment to clean water infrastructure and the long-term environmental health of Northwest Washington.” -- Jason Bradshaw, Eastsound Sewer & Water District General Manager

On the Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: “This funding will expand timely access to essential surgical services for mothers, infants, and families, as well as life-saving cancer screenings—ensuring residents in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties, and servicemembers and their families at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, receive high-quality care when it matters most.” -- Elise Cutter, Island Health CEO

On the Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: “I am incredibly grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support of our $3 million request to construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This will better connect our multimodal hub at Everett Station to Downtown Everett and is close to the future home of our major new public-private partnership, the Everett Outdoor Events Center. Safer connections between the transportation and our growing downtown helps create a more livable and walkable community for our residents, visitors and our local businesses.” -- Cassie Franklin, Everett Mayor

On Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: “We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the safety and security of students, staff and community members at Cordata Elementary School. Because this facility welcomes a variety of community programming throughout the school year, the benefits will also extend beyond the school day and into the Bellingham community.” -- Greg Baker, Bellingham School District Superintendent

On Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: "The support by Rep. Rick Larsen of the Orcas Landing Marine Facility improvements represents the potential for significant benefit to all segments of our community. This facility serves as one of the primary transportation hubs in San Juan County, benefiting businesses, commuters, and multiple essential service providers. This project will also deliver meaningful benefit to the marine ecosystem by modernizing the facility and removing legacy environmental hazards. I appreciate that Rep. Rick Larsen has chosen to make San Juan County a priority in his advocacy at the congressional level." -- Justin Paulsen, San Juan County Council Chair

"Marine facilities are especially critical infrastructure in San Juan County because they serve commuters, visitors, businesses, and other essential service providers. Working folks rely on this infrastructure for regular operations and travel, and this funding allows us to better serve not only Orcas residents, but the islands at large." -- Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager

"A $4 million investment at Orcas Landing reflects the need and significance of this facility to our community. Once again, Rep. Rick Larsen has shown his commitment to supporting the transportation needs of San Juan County by carrying our congressional funding request to Washington DC." -- Colin Huntemer, San Juan County Public Works Director

On the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: “Snohomish County is becoming a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and I am grateful to Representative Larsen for his support of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research and Development Center at Paine Field Airport. Our region’s strengths in aviation, manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled workforce will contribute to the success of the center and a transformed aviation industry. This is an exciting initiative that brings together partners in government, higher education, airlines, workforce development, agriculture and forestry, and other sectors. Together, we can advance sustainable aviation and care for the environment while strengthening career pathways and economic opportunity.” -- Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive

On the Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: “From Blaine Harbor to Edmonds, Rick Larsen continues to be a steadfast champion for working waterfronts in Northwest Washington. The Blaine Harbor fueling project will strengthen critical marine trades infrastructure and support the creation of family-wage jobs. The Port of Bellingham is deeply grateful for Representative Larsen’s partnership and leadership.” -- Tiffany DeSimone, Port of Bellingham Interim Executive Director

On the Slater Road Elevation Construction: “The Slater Road Elevation Project provides critical public safety, economic viability, and resiliency benefits to the Lummi Nation and the broader Whatcom County region. The project supports the federal trust responsibility by ensuring reliable access necessary for the Lummi Nation to carry out governmental operations and exercise treaty-reserved rights. We thank Congressman Larsen for his longstanding support of this project and the Lummi Nation.” -- Tony Hillaire, Lummi Nation Chairman

On the Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation: “This project is about ensuring continuity of emergency response during disasters. In 2025, our crews were managing more than 40 active rescue incidents when floodwaters reached our station, forcing us to prepare for evacuation while still serving the community. Relocating Station 81 out of the floodplain addresses a repeated and well-documented risk, strengthens regional resilience, and protects critical infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to Rick Larsen for his leadership and support of this effort, which helps us move this critical project forward without placing additional financial burden on our flood-impacted community.” -- Randy VanderHeiden, Whatcom County Fire District 1 Commissioner Chairperson

On the Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: “We sincerely thank Representative Larsen and his office for their support of the Everson Dual‑Use Emergency Coordination & Shelter Facility and for their continued commitment to our community. After experiencing recent flooding, we have seen firsthand how important it is to have a reliable, dedicated emergency operations and shelter facility in place. This project will strengthen our ability to coordinate response efforts, protect residents, and ensure Everson is prepared when a crisis occurs.” -- John Perry, Everson Mayor

On the Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: “These improvements will have a direct and lasting impact on nearly every aspect of life in Point Roberts. Such a project, while vitally important to our exclave community, cannot be accomplished without federal assistance. We are extremely grateful for Representative Larsen’s support, advocacy, and continued commitment to the community, citizens, and visitors we serve and protect. This project represents a meaningful and lasting return on federal investment in Point Roberts.” -- Chief Carleton, Whatcom County Fire District No. 5

On the Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: “The Board of Island County Commissioners has been very concerned about potential failure to our Law and Justice electrical system and is very grateful for this funding which will protect our Department of Emergency Management, our Superior Court, our Permit Counters, our staff, and our jail inmates. Thank you, Congressman Larsen, for making our safety one of your priority projects.” -- Island County Emergency Power Board of Commissioners

On the Mariner Library and Community Campus: “Thank you to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued advocacy for public libraries and for recognizing the significance of the Mariner Library and Community Campus as a community-driven, legacy library project. This federal investment, supported by state funding, a community-led capital campaign, and strong local partnerships, demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a central gathering space at the heart of Mariner where neighbors can connect, discover, and explore.” -- Eric Howard, Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director

On the Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: “Our Concrete High School oil boiler heating system is well beyond its lifespan and serves three buildings on our campus. We are one failed component away from losing heat entirely. The cost to replace the system and upgrade our infrastructure is nearly half of the Concrete School District’s annual budget—an expense our small, rural district cannot absorb. After years of searching for funding to replace it, we are grateful to Representative Larsen for submitting our project for consideration through the appropriations process.” -- Carrie Crickmore, Concrete School District Superintendent

On the Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: “The Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project is a crucial opportunity to enhance local salmon populations by creating a new nearshore estuary and daylighting a stream which connects to valuable fish habitat. This project is not only the culmination of a decade of efforts to restore the salmon habitat of Japanese Gulch, but it will also improve public access to our shoreline and celebrate the rich history of Japanese Americans in Mukilteo.” -- Joe Marine, Mukilteo Mayor

On the Channel Drive Waterline: “La Conner strives to provide customers with safe and high-quality drinking water. The pipes we use to deliver that water to the Channel Drive neighborhood are failing, and many of the residents are on a fixed income and unable to shoulder the cost of these important repairs. We are thankful that Rep. Larsen has devoted his time to helping us secure funding for this important project.” -- Marna Hanneman, Mayor of La Conner

On Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: “Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District would like to thank Representative Larsen for facilitating this Community Project Funding grant. The District is committed to proactively operating its water and sewer systems in a manner that ensures continuity of its essential services. This funding is an instrumental component for the replacement of an aging water reservoir with a new reservoir designed to meet current seismic standards and outfitted with the ShakeAlert earthquake warning system, all of which will contribute to a safer, more robust, reliable drinking water system for our community.” -- Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners President

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Larsen Defends Free and Fair Elections

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“President Trump has no constitutional authority to change election law by executive order. This is an unlawful effort to suppress the right to vote. No matter what the President says, there is no proof of widespread voter fraud in our elections.

“While this Executive Order is challenged in the courts, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to safeguard our democracy and promote free and fair elections this fall and in the future.”

Yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order directing his administration to create lists of U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state and blocking the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail-in ballots to individuals not on those lists. Since 2012, Washington state law has allowed every election to be conducted entirely by mail, with the state mailing a ballot to each active registered voter.

Rep. Larsen is an advocate for free and fair elections, expanding access to the ballot and Washington state’s vote-by-mail system. In 2023, he introduced legislation to protect U.S. citizens who face disenfranchisement because of restrictive voter identification laws (America Votes Act).

Rep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus.

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Larsen Supports Bipartisan Bill to Pay Public Servants

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“I support the bipartisan Senate bill to pay Coasties, TSA agents, CISA experts, FEMA staff and other DHS employees who do important work protect our country. Unfortunately, House Republicans have rejected that and chosen to continue to force public servants to work without pay and Americans to wait in line for hours to catch a flight.

“Since the beginning of this shutdown, I have fought to pay DHS staff and require ICE to follow the same rules as every state and local law enforcement agency. This fight is not over. I continue to honor and thank the DHS employees who have missed a paycheck and continued to show up to serve their fellow Americans.”

Yesterday, Rep. Larsen voted no on a bill to fund DHS, ICE and CBP through May 22, 2026. The bill passed the House by a vote of 213 to 203.

Rep. Larsen is cosponsoring 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.

Rep. Larsen supports negotiating a full-year funding bill for ICE, CBP and the office of the DHS Secretary that creates accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities.

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Larsen Supports Pay for Hard-Working Public Servants

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Coasties keep our waterways safe, TSA agents protect the traveling public, CISA experts protect our country from cyber threats, DHS agents fight child and drug trafficking and FEMA staff respond to natural disasters like the December floods in my district and help World Cup host cities like Seattle prepare for the tournament this summer.

“These public servants deserve to get paid for their work immediately. I continue to demand reforms to ensure ICE is held to the same standards as every other state and local law enforcement agency.”

Rep. Larsen is cosponsoring 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.

Rep. Larsen supports negotiating a full-year funding bill for ICE, CBP and the office of the DHS Secretary that creates accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities.

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Larsen Demands Trump Admin Mobilize All Options to Prepare for Upcoming Wildfire Season

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined twelve of his colleagues from Washington and Oregon in a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Neil Jacobs expressing their concern about the heightened risk of a devastating wildfire season, raising questions about the steps the officials have taken to prepare for wildfire season and urging them to use every available tool to prepare for emergencies.

“Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have all seen uncharacteristically warm weather since November, leading to a lack of snowfall and drought conditions which will limit our region’s water supply for the year to come,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are deeply concerned about the impact these conditions may have on wildfire risk in our states later this year. Drought conditions this winter are likely to lengthen the upcoming wildfire season and stretch federal, state, local, and tribal resources.”

The lawmakers also point out that staff and funding cuts have raised concerns about federal agencies' ability to prepare, monitor and mitigate wildfire risks.

“We worry how reduced capacity and ongoing changes at your agencies may combine with winter drought in our region to exacerbate wildfire risk in our communities,” wrote the lawmakers.

Joining Rep. Larsen in the letter were Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06).

“We respectfully ask that you pay careful attention to this year’s winter drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest. While we still might receive much needed precipitation, we strongly encourage you to take every precaution to ensure that you are prepared for what could be a particularly dangerous wildfire season ahead,” the lawmakers concluded.

Protecting Washington state’s environment is a top priority for Rep. Larsen. In February, Larsen condemned the Trump administration’s rollback of the Endangerment Finding, a key climate regulation that gives the United States government the authority to combat climate change. Last September, Rep. Larsen joined six other members of Washington’s congressional delegation in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin about how his proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding would harm Washingtonians’ health and welfare by exacerbating wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events.

The full letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Burgum, Chief Shultz, and Administrator Jacobs,

We write to draw your attention to historically low snowfall in the Pacific Northwest this winter and urge you to take every precaution to mitigate and prepare for a potentially devastating wildfire season ahead.

Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have all seen uncharacteristically warm weather since November, leading to a lack of snowfall and drought conditions which will limit our region’s water supply for the year to come. Oregon’s snowpack is currently at its lowest ever recorded level, nearly 30% lower than the previous record low. The entire Pacific Northwest is facing similarly stark drought conditions, with Washington experiencing its third lowest snowpack on record and far below average conditions in Idaho.

We are deeply concerned about the impact these conditions may have on wildfire risk in our states later this year. Drought conditions this winter are likely to lengthen the upcoming wildfire season and stretch federal, state, local, and tribal resources. Low snowfall now may combine with hot and dry summer conditions to “lead to decreased streamflow, dry soils, and dry vegetation, significantly increasing potential for extreme wildfires that spread rapidly, burn with more severity, and are costly to suppress.”

We are particularly concerned how these conditions may combine with changes at your agencies that have limited the federal government’s capacity to adequately prepare for, monitor, and mitigate wildfire risk. For example, in December many of us wrote to Fire Service Chief Shultz to raise concern about the agency’s poor performance for hazardous fuels reduction last year which resulted in about 50% less work completed compared to fiscal year 2024. Meanwhile, this Administration has implemented significant staff reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) including in the National Weather Service and proposed major programmatic changes affecting the agency’s capabilities to monitor weather, map lightning, and track oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The Department of Interior has announced efforts to consolidate wildfire suppression activities under a unified agency without adequate preparation, collaboration, or congressional authorization.

We worry how reduced capacity and ongoing changes at your agencies may combine with winter drought in our region to exacerbate wildfire risk in our communities. We recognize that the Administration has signaled intentions to increase timber harvests on federal lands. However, commercial harvest is not a comprehensive wildfire strategy and does not address the acute need to prepare for a potentially severe fire season exacerbated by winter drought.

We ask that you respond to the following questions regarding wildfire preparedness.

How are your agencies coordinating with each other to monitor drought in the Pacific Northwest this winter and its implications for wildfire risk later this year?

How are you communicating with state, local, and Tribal partners about wildfire risk in advance of fire season?

Are you proactively sharing information with state, local, and Tribal partners about any limitations to federal fire mitigation or response capacity this year to allow them to fill gaps?

In light of reduced staffing at your agencies, what is your plan to ensure that adequate resources are deployed to the Pacific Northwest later this year to monitor and respond to wildfires?

How do you plan to ensure sufficient hazardous fuels reduction activities over the next several months, and how will you prioritize such activities to maximize the benefits for wildfire risk reduction?

We respectfully ask that you pay careful attention to this year’s winter drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest. While we still might receive much needed precipitation, we strongly encourage you to take every precaution to ensure that you are prepared for what could be a particularly dangerous wildfire season ahead.

We look forward to your response.

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Larsen Invites Students to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is inviting high school students who live or attend school in Washington’s Second Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists in Northwest Washington to submit their artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Larsen. “It takes courage to put your work out there as a young person, and I appreciate the wonderful art that students submit for consideration every year."

All art entries must be original in concept, design and execution. Art submissions and forms are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Interested students can find details and a full list of contest rules on Larsen’s website: https://larsen.house.gov/helping-you/2026-art-competition.htm

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the annual high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have participated in the Congressional Art Competition. In 2025, Oak Harbor High School’s Tessa Meyer won the districtwide competition with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude,” which has been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.

How to Participate

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school-aged students (grades 9-12) who live or attend school in the Second District. Students can verify whether they are Second District residents or attend school in the district here.

To submit your artwork, please download and print this Student Consent Form. This form must be attached to the artwork that is entered. If you cannot print the form, please contact our office for a copy. Forms and art submissions are due by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Forms can also be mailed or delivered with art pieces to Rep. Larsen’s Everett office:

Office of Rep. Rick Larsen - Everett
Re: Art Competition
Wall Street Building
2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9F
Everett, WA 98201

Contact Larsen’s District Office for More Information

Students needing assistance in delivering their artwork to Rep. Larsen’s office can contact Jessica Zuleta at (425) 252-3188 or Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov. Participants will be honored at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., later this year. Plans for a district celebration will be announced soon.

For more information, visit the 2026 Congressional Art Competition website here.

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Larsen Announces $17.5 Million Investment in Skagit Transit

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Finally! Trump’s Department of Transportation (DOT) released $17.5 million it was holding hostage that will now allow Skagit Transit to move forward with its new Operations facility. I have been working with Skagit Transit leadership for several years to get these dollars out the door and put to work for local transit. So great to be part of this local victory.”

Larsen helped secure the $17.5 million DOT award to Skagit County last year. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

DOT released 123 grants today, including nine totaling over $183 million for Washington state communities:

$17.5 million for Skagit Transit’s Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility in Burlington;

$16 million for the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s transition to zero-emission trucks;

$3.84 million for Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)’s Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor Reliability - Landslide Mitigation Phase IV Project to reduce landslide blocking events along Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)’s Scenic Subdivision at three locations between Seattle and Everett;

$6.45 million for WSDOT’s Puget Sound Rail Corridor Improvement Project;

$37.7 million for WSDOT’s Rural Rail Rehabilitation Phase III-Improving Supply Chain Efficiency and Resiliency project to replace all rail and ties on WSDOT’s Palouse River and Coulee City Rail System;

$14.78 million for Pierce Transit’s new gantry with depot conductive charging infrastructure for battery-electric buses;

$51.65 million for WSDOT’s SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge girder replacement;

$25.65 million for the City of Seattle’s Safe Streets initiative; and

$9.6 million for the City of Spokane’s Safe Streets initiative.

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Larsen Announces Release of Flood Recovery Funds

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“I am glad the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released funds to protect Whatcom County homes from future devastating floods,” said Rep. Larsen. “This support is long overdue to communities impacted by the devastating floods in November 2021. 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 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for Whatcom County on Friday to elevate 16 properties in Sumas, Ferndale and Everson. The grants total almost $4 million and were originally requested in 2022.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery 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. 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 flooded in the December 2025 floods. Last week, 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. Last month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation 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, which is currently pending approval.

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Larsen Announces Washington Selected as Testing Partner for Next-Generation Aircraft

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) selecting Washington as a partner in testing next-generation aircraft will create good-paying jobs for the people I represent,” said Rep. Larsen. “Northwest Washington is home to the best aviation and aerospace workers in the world. There is nowhere better to improve advanced air mobility (AAM) technology.”

The DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Monday that eight proposals were selected as part of the brand-new Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). These pilot projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments to ensure the safety of innovative AAM aircraft.

Washington will participate in the Pennsylvania DOT-led project, which is a multistate collaborative partnership with private AAM companies BETA Technologies and Electra, focused on enhancing regional passenger transportation.

Larsen Fights for Washington Airports and Aviation Projects

Rep. Larsen has long advocated for federal funds to improve Washington’s aviation infrastructure and create local aerospace jobs.

Rep. Larsen was a key negotiator of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization law, which continued programs that awarded over $94 million in grants to improve Washington airports, including $5.5 million to modernize Paine Field, Skagit Regional Airport and Bellingham International airport’s aviation infrastructure. Rep. Larsen also secured three FAA grants totaling $2,841,542 to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety and create jobs at Friday Harbor Airport, Lopez Island Airport and Anacortes Airport.

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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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