Rick Larsen

December 8, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. — The House of Representatives passed the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act (HR 1672), legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), by voice vote yesterday.

This legislation renews the Congressional mandate for the Northwest Straits Commission, a grassroots organization that works to restore and protect marine habitat in Northwest Washington. HR 1672 has widespread support from the local community, including letters of support from elected officials in every county in which it operates.    » read more »

November 7, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today after voting in support of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962). The bill passed the House by a vote of 220 to 215.

“There is no doubt that health care is costing our small businesses too much, our families too much and the federal government too much. The status quo is unacceptable. The Affordable Health Care for America Act will give hard working individuals and small businesses access to affordable health coverage, and give families and businesses some stability and security during these hard economic times.    » read more »

October 29, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today following the introduction of new House health care reform legislation, HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The bill can be found here: http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf

“After an initial review of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, I am pleased to see that many of the principles I support have been included in the bill.    » read more »

Larsen expresses concerns with rules, asks for more time for public comment

October 13, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen recently sent a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) asking that they extend the public comment period for their proposed rules to restrict vessel activity near orca whales.

The rules, which were proposed in July, would prohibit vessels from approaching within 200 yards of orcas at all times, outlaw parking in the path of a moving orca, and ban virtually all vessel traffic within 800 yards of west side of San Juan Island for 5 months each year.    » read more »

Legislation will protect endangered species habitat salmon

October 13, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 1593) to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a component of the Wild and Scenic River System. The House legislation, sponsored by U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), will permanently protect the free flowing nature of this tributary of the Skagit River. This legislation was introduced in March of this year and earned widespread local support, including endorsements from environmentalists, Skagit County Commissioners, fishing groups, and farmers.    » read more »