WASHINGTON—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after Republican leaders announced they would drop efforts to avert the fiscal cliff and leave Washington, DC, until after Christmas.

“The Republicans just picked up their toys and went home,” Larsen said. “Republican leaders just admitted they cannot even pass their own bills. Instead of working with Democrats to find a solution, they are leaving their responsibilities behind and fleeing the Capitol. The only solution is for Republicans to return to the negotiating table with President Obama and Congressional Democrats to find a balanced deal. Democrats are ready, but Republicans just went home.

“The Republicans have turned the fiscal cliff into a fiscal comedy of errors. But the American people are not laughing.”