Larsen, Rick RSS Articles

Larsen Announces $1.3 Million to Local Shipyards

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced Everett Ship Repair LLC and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. received $1.3 million in federal funding:

“The maritime economy and the jobs that come with it are alive and well in the Puget Sound,” said Rep. Larsen. “As the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have been a strong advocate for the Small Shipyards Grants Program because funding like this supports local small businesses and helps regional economies grow. I am glad to see these dollars come home and I look forward to seeing them in action in Snohomish and Skagit counties the years to come.”

Everett Ship Repair and Rozema’s Boat Works received the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

“We greatly appreciate the award from MARAD, as well as the Congressman and the Senators’ support in receiving this grant,” said Gavin Higgins, CEO of Everett Ship Repair. “We think the Small Shipyard Grant Program is one of the best programs for supporting our shipyards that's out there. This grant will allow us to greatly improve the cost efficiency of our new drydock and expand the opportunity for the vessels that we will be servicing on it. The grant will also support electrical training, a much underserviced trade in the marine industry, and will help to expand the resource pool accordingly.”

In total, MARAD awarded $5.2 million to six shipyards in Washington state:

$456,216 for Everett Ship Repair LLC for electrical upgrades in support of a new 35,000 ton floating drydock, as well as support training in shipyard processes;
$938,176 for Rozema's Boat Works, Inc. for new shipyard equipment including a MultiCam 5-410-R-H CNC Router Table and a 230-Ton CNC Press Brake;
$321,474 for Safe Boats International LLC for an aluminum welding/fabrication training program and 17 welding machines;
$750,000 for Arrow Launch Service, Inc. for 75-ton travelift;
$1,259,190 for BRIX Marine Inc. for four 10-ton remote overhead cranes with hoists and runways; and
$1,508,596 for Delta Marine Industries, Inc. for a 620-ton travelift.

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Larsen Joins Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating wildfires sweeping through Central and Eastern Washington state.

On Saturday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and issued a statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026. The National Weather Service upgraded the Red Flag Warning on Saturday, to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. The Spokane Area Fires consist of the Old Trails Fire burning in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burning near Nine Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burning in Mead. Over 700 structures have been lost in the fires so far and over 14,000 structures are threatened, 67,000 people have been evacuated, the three fires have burned over 8,000 acres combined and are still 0% contained, nearly 1,000 firefighters battling fires in the Spokane area, and thousands of more people remain under a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation.

“Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control,” wrote Larsen and the members of the delegation.

Rep. Larsen joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) in the letter to President Trump.

“These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers,” the lawmakers continued. “Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.”

“While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full letter is available below and HERE.

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s August 2nd request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating wildfires raging in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima Counties. In addition to the counties, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians are also listed in Washington’s expedited Emergency Declaration request. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control.

These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers.

Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.

While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need. We appreciate your prompt attention to the state’s request.

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Larsen Seeks Answers at Ferndale ICE Facility

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“The President’s cruel immigration agenda has angered many of my constituents and struck fear in families around the region. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been at the top of this agenda. I came to the Ferndale ICE holding facility today to get answers about this facility for my community.

“Where I was not able to get complete answers, I will be sending a follow-up oversight letter. I expect to get additional details about ICE’s recent policy changes for this kind of facility and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations locally.

“I was able to get answers to the following questions community members have about the facility’s operations:

“1. The facility has two holding cells that have room for eight people each. The average time a detained person stays in the facility is 4-5 hours. Since July 1, ICE has had a policy that no one can be detained in this type of facility for longer than 12 hours. People held by ICE here are first processed and then transferred to the privately-run detention center in Tacoma.

“2. People detained in the facility have access to a toilet and a sink. There are no kitchen or shower facilities, or medical personnel on staff, because of the short detainment periods. However, there is a process for non-emergent or emergent care.

“3. There are two private rooms with telephones where detained people can call an attorney if they have one.

“4. HSI has been responsible for the operations that detained nearly 50 people in Lynden in recent months. I intend to follow up with the Department of Homeland Security, HSI and ICE about HSI’s role in immigration enforcement and removal operations locally.

“As a service to my constituents, my office is going to work with this local ICE facility in Ferndale to establish a process where people who are detained here can get the necessary paperwork to request support from my staff.

“The President’s immigration enforcement agenda is hurting the local economy and making our communities less safe. My office stands ready to help family members locate their loved ones in ICE custody and access legal services – call 425-252-3188 or go to larsen.house.gov/helping-you/visas-and-immigration.htm.”

Larsen Fights to Hold ICE Accountable

In June 2025, Rep. Larsen toured the privately-run ICE detention facility in Tacoma and met with Lelo Juarez, a Skagit County union leader and activist whom ICE detained in March 2025.

Earlier this month, Rep. Larsen joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that ICE halt removal proceedings against the witnesses. He also demanded independent investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis in January 2026.

In Congress, Rep. Larsen has refused to vote for legislation that would fund ICE without placing additional guardrails on the agency and requiring that ICE follow the same rules as every other local, state and federal law enforcement agency.

Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:

Prohibiting ICE officers from wearing masks during arrests;

Requiring ICE officers to be trained in de-escalation;

Prohibiting masked ICE officers from using restricted equipment, such as tear gas;

Ending family and child detention;

Ending DHS’s use of private detention facilities;

Providing individuals in immigration detention with unlimited communication with legal counsel;

Repealing the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump has used to deport immigrants from Venezuela with no due process by accusing them of “invading” the United States; and

A complete and independent investigation into the killings of unarmed civilians.

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Larsen Introduces Bill to Study Prison Libraries

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Representative Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) introduced the Read for Reentry Act, legislation that would authorize a study into state and federal prison libraries in the United States to better understand and further the role of prison libraries in reducing the number of prisoners who return to prison.

“Access to the world of books through libraries changes lives,” said Rep. Larsen. “Prison libraries provide incarcerated people with important tools and opportunities for growth. This bill will study prison libraries and their effectiveness to reinforce the work prison libraries do to help incarcerated people return to society successfully.”

“For years, I’ve said that a prison sentence should not be a life sentence to hopelessness. Libraries give incarcerated individuals access to education, job skills, legal resources, and the opportunity to grow.” said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. “That’s good for the individual, good for public safety, and good for our communities. Yet we still lack a clear understanding of how prison libraries operate across the country. Better data will help us strengthen these programs, identify best practices, and ensure more people have access to the tools they need to successfully reenter society, and that’s exactly why I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill.”

The latest data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that about two-thirds of state prisoners are rearrested after three years. However, a 2025 report from the American Library Association suggested that access to prison libraries and education materials may dramatically reduce recidivism rates. Initial studies indicate that prison libraries contribute to this reduction by supporting the mental health of incarcerated individuals, bolstering literacy and education, offering job skill training, employment information and providing incarcerated individuals with resources for reentry.

Currently, there are no set standards for prison libraries or requirements for prisons to offer library services, and insufficient data assessing existing prison library programs, their usage and outcomes. The Read for Reentry Act would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a study into state and federal prison libraries in the U.S. to fill in these gaps. Its findings could be used to inform and further the work of prison libraries to help incarcerated people, reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Specifically, the study would:

Identify sources of funding for state and federal prison libraries;

Identify demographic information of state and federal prisons that offer library services;

Identify the prison recidivism and parole compliance rates for prisons that offer library services to incarcerated individuals; and

Identify the rate of disciplinary infractions involving an incarcerated individual in a state or federal prison that offers library services.

The American Library Association supports the Read for Reentry Act.

"Prison libraries make a world of difference through the critical services they offer, books and beyond,” said Maria McCauley, American Library Association President. “Data on state and federal prison libraries proposed by the Read for Reentry Act would build a more comprehensive picture of the impact prison libraries have on reducing recidivism and aiding in reentry. Gathering additional data is the first step towards scaling what works.”

U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (GA-04), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) signed on as original co-sponsors to this legislation.

Rep. Larsen routinely donates books from the Library of Congress across Northwest Washington and is a strong advocate for funding the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The full text of the Read for Reentry Act can be found here.

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Larsen in Seattle Times: Trump needs to renegotiate USMCA trade agreement

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published an op-ed in the Seattle Times pressing the Trump administration to renegotiate the U.S-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement.

“The President has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home… Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.”

Earlier this month, Rep. Larsen sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer summarizing over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.

“I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.”

This year, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Rep. Larsen to be the top Democrat on the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, an organization that connects American and Canadian legislators to promote information sharing and better understanding on shared issues of concern.

Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rep. Larsen has a deep personal history with British Columbia and the U.S.-Canada relationship. As a member of Congress, he has been a leader on issues involving Canada, including trade, environmental protection in the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest, the Arctic, security and border management.

Rep. Larsen’s full op-ed is available HERE and the text is below.

Why Trump needs to renegotiate U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement

High costs and a failing economy are hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington. Now, the president’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods threaten to drive sky-high prices even higher next month.

The president has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs. What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home.

In the months ahead, the United States government has the opportunity to enhance and renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

The United States, Canada and Mexico signed USMCA in 2020 and the three nations conducted a joint review of the deal this year. The Trump administration chose not to renew USMCA in its current form, opting instead to spend the coming months renegotiating the deal.

In preparation for the joint review, I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities. In the past year my office met with more than 100 farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington.

On July 1, I sent a report summarizing Northwest Washington stakeholders’ perspectives on USMCA to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, whose agency is leading negotiations with Canada and Mexico. Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.

A strong USMCA would reduce tariffs and regulatory barriers, helping local businesses better compete and succeed in foreign markets. A long-term agreement would create a predictable and stable business environment, which companies and investors need to make long-term plans. The agreement would also simplify customs procedures, which saves time and money for businesses that move goods and products frequently over the U.S.-Canada border.

Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.

Thanks to USMCA, Washington state businesses saved $126 million in direct tariff costs since 2020, according to the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT). These savings reduce the cost of doing business and get passed along to everyday consumers. The president’s new, petty and pointless tariffs on Canada are just more fees for struggling American families and businesses to pay.

Washington state consumers, farmers and businesses can credit USMCA for keeping agricultural trade in North America largely tariff-free and expanding access to foreign markets for local farmers. USMCA lowers the price of food and other agricultural goods by ensuring that Northwest Washington and other U.S. farmers have buyers for their goods.

USMCA forged commitments and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers’ rights and the environment across North America. A renegotiated USMCA can and should strengthen those commitments and enforcement mechanisms.

Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 320,000 jobs in Washington state. In Northwest Washington, the U.S.-Canada partnership is especially important. Trade between Northwest Washington and Canada supports 2,200 jobs in Whatcom County, 1,400 in Skagit County and 3,800 in Snohomish County, according to Trade Partnership/Connect2Canada data. These jobs help families buy groceries, make rent payments and put gas in the car.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs and reckless rhetoric toward Canada have caused businesses to close in the communities I represent. Rising shipping and manufacturing costs, along with uncertainty resulting from constantly changing tariff policies, have pushed prices up and stopped companies and tourists from bringing their business to Northwest Washington.

Continuing USMCA will help restabilize the economic relationship between the United States and two of our largest trading partners. The Trump administration must cut the BS and get to work. It is time to negotiate in good faith to enhance and renew USMCA, and fully enforce the provisions of the agreement to help lower prices and create good-paying jobs.

Rick Larsen: is the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He represents a portion of Snohomish County and all of Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.

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Larsen Demands Answers on Oil Spill Preparedness

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sent a letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, to insist that the Coast Guard review and update its oil spill preparedness plans in light of a proposed new Canadian oil pipeline that will increase oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea.

"Section 7407 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 required the Coast Guard to coordinate with other federal agencies to review and update the Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan, no later than 180 days after passage,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “I am concerned that the deadline has passed without Congress receiving an update on the Coast Guard’s efforts.”

On July 2, the Government of Alberta announced a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean that would transport 1 million barrels per day to an export terminal at Roberts Banks in British Columbia. The new pipeline will increase tanker traffic in Haro Strait and Boundary Bay in the Salish Sea, and with it the risk of catastrophic oil spills. The Coast Guard’s Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan outlines and facilitates coordination between the U.S. and Canadian governments to prepare for oil spills that would impact marine ecosystems and environments in both nations.

“The Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan is particularly important in light of the proposed energy infrastructure developments on the Pacific Coast of Canada,” continued Rep. Larsen. “A strong partnership between the United States and Canada is key to effective protection of shared waterways and responding to maritime emergencies... I am requesting an update on implementation of Section 7407 by August 31, 2026.”

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has oversight authority of the U.S. Coast Guard. At a roundtable discussion with Coast Guard officers on maritime safety last week, Rep. Larsen pressed Coast Guard officials on their awareness of the new Canadian pipeline and how it would implicate existing oil spill prevention plans. Following the roundtable, he released a statement vowing to keep pressing for answers from the Coast Guard on their oil spill prevention and response mission in the Pacific Northwest.

The full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday can be read here and below:

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday

Commandant, United States Coast Guard

United States Coast Guard Headquarters

2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE

Washington, D.C. 20593

Dear Admiral Lunday:

I am writing regarding implementation of Section 7407 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 which required the Coast Guard to coordinate with other federal agencies to review and update the Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan, no later than 180 days after passage. I am concerned that the deadline has passed without Congress receiving an update on the Coast Guard’s efforts.

This plan is particularly important in light of the proposed energy infrastructure developments on the Pacific Coast of Canada that could substantially increase crude oil tanker traffic through waters adjacent to the United States in the Salish Sea, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and approaches to Puget Sound. The potential increase in petroleum vessel traffic directly impacts the Coast Guard, which is responsible for maritime safety, pollution preparedness and response, waterways management and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

I am requesting an update on implementation of Section 7407 by August 31, 2026. In addition, please provide an update on the status of the coordination efforts with all relevant Canadian partners. A strong partnership between the United States and Canada is key to effective protection of shared waterways and responding to maritime emergencies. Expeditious implementation of Section 7407 will help ensure both nations remain prepared for evolving risks to navigation safety, environmental protection, and regional maritime security.

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Larsen Releases Statement on Defense Policy Bill Vote

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“I voted no on the House version of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because it raises the defense budget to $1.15 trillion, paving the way for the Administration to continue spending billions of dollars on Trump’s unjustified war in Iran rather than lowering the cost of living for everyday Americans. I also opposed this legislation because my Republican colleagues added extreme provisions attacking the right to vote, and health care for servicemembers, their kids and the LGBTQI+ community.”

“I hope the final version of the bill removes these harmful provisions and returns the focus to raising servicemember pay, investing in Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and supporting NATO allies and Ukraine.”

Yesterday, Rep. Larsen voted against the House version of the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA. The legislation passed on a 216-212 vote.

Larsen Fights for Health Care for Servicemembers; Defense Tech Innovation

Rep. Larsen filed two amendments for consideration in the FY27 NDAA:

1. Expand Critical Access Hospital designation to hospitals like Island Health that serve a high number of TRICARE patients – the Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act.

2. Restore FY26 funding ($37.5 million) for a program to evaluate dual-use technologies identified through the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and to support their integration into the U.S. defense base. The Administration eliminated this program in its FY27 budget proposal.

Republicans blocked both amendments from being considered for inclusion in the FY27 NDAA.

Rep. Larsen also filed a bipartisan amendment to improve U.S. Coast Guard operations for consideration. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard. This amendment was added to the FY27 NDAA before passage.

Larsen’s Local Priorities Included in FY27 NDAA

Several of Rep. Larsen’s priorities were included in the House version of the NDAA, including:

A pay raise for servicemembers;
Full funding for Impact Aid, which supports local school districts with large populations of military-connected students, such as Oak Harbor;
Investments in Naval Air Station Whidbey Island;
Language recognizing the importance of Naval Station Everett to the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific force posture;
TRICARE coverage of fertility treatments for servicemembers and their families.

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Larsen, Trahan, Walkinshaw, DeLauro, Gillen Lead Effort to Expand Access to IVF

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Laura Gillen (NY-04) introduced legislation to codify the right to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments and expand affordable options for families to access IVF nationwide (the Right to IVF Act of 2026). World IVF Day takes place on July 25, 2026.

“For many Americans, fertility treatments like IVF are essential to start families of their own,” said Congressman Larsen. “This comprehensive legislation will guarantee access and expand coverage for IVF and other fertility services. The legislation also includes my bill with Senator Murray, the Veteran Families Health Services Act, to ensure fertility treatments are included in servicemembers’ and veterans’ health benefits. I will keep working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to make sure that women and men in uniform and working families do not have to sacrifice their dreams of having a family.”

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a clear and enforceable nationwide right to receive, provide or cover IVF services and expands IVF insurance coverage. Specifically, the bill:

Creates a statutory right for an individual to access, a provider to provide and an insurer to cover assisted reproductive technology (ART), including IVF, as well as intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Ensures coverage for ART, including IVF, as well as IUI for servicemembers, veterans, government employees, and individuals with employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.

In August 2025, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2025, which is included in the Right to IVF Act. This legislation would expand the fertility treatments and family-building services that are covered under servicemembers’ and veterans’ health care to include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and adoption assistance for servicemembers and veterans who are unable to conceive without assistance.

Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Right to IVF Act of 2026 is cosponsored by 119 House members and 46 Senators.

The legislation is supported by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD).

The bill text of the Right to IVF Act of 2026 can be found here.

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Larsen Stands Firm Against Trump’s Unjustified War

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Today I voted once again to stop the President from attacking Iran. All Americans have gotten out of this unjustified war is higher prices. Congress is sending a clear message to President Trump: stop the war. Lower prices."

Today, Rep. Larsen voted yes for the sixth time on a resolution that directs President Trump to remove the U.S. military from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its military, unless such hostilities are explicitly authorized by Congress. The resolution does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself from imminent attack. It also does not prevent the U.S. from collecting or sharing intelligence and counterintelligence with partners in line with the United States' national security interests.

The resolution passed by a final vote of 214-208.

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Larsen Presses Trump Admin to End Jones Act Waivers

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act has done nothing to lower prices. Instead, it has halted investment in U.S. shipbuilding, stolen jobs from American mariners and threatened the entire U.S. maritime industry.

“The Administration must reverse course to protect our maritime workforce in Northwest Washington and across the United States. I will keep pressing for answers until the Administration stops waiving the Jones Act and threatening local jobs in the maritime industry.”

Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a roundtable with officials from the Coast Guard on maritime safety. A video clip of Rep. Larsen advocating for the end of Jones Act waivers at the roundtable can be found here, and the recording of the entire roundtable can be found here.

In March, the Trump administration temporarily rolled back the Jones Act, a law that requiring all goods traveling between U.S. ports to be moved on American-made and American-crewed ships, in an effort to mitigate disruptions to the global oil market that President Trump’s war in Iran caused.

Larsen Fights to End Jones Act Waivers, Save American Maritime Jobs

Rep Larsen has long supported the Jones Act and its creation of American maritime jobs in Northwest Washington. As the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight authority of the U.S. Coast Guard, he criticized the Trump administration’s waiver of the Jones Act in March and has kept speaking out about the importance of the Jones Act to the U.S. maritime economy.

In May, Rep. Larsen and Rep. Salud Carbajal sent a letter to President Trump expressing concerns that the Jones Act waiver is a direct threat to the American maritime industry.

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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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