Delivering for Northwest Washington

Rick Larsen is a local guy who is committed to working on local issues. For him there is no “other Washington” – only the one we live in. Here are some of the projects that he is working hard for in the district and that make a real difference in our community.

Boeing Tanker
Rick worked tirelessly to make sure the next generation of Air Force Tankers are built by the best aerospace workers in the world - right here in the northwest.

Naval Station Everett & Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Rick is committed to supporting Naval Station Everett & Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and improving the quality of life for military families in Northwest Washington. He made sure the Navy brought a new aircraft carrier to replace the USS Lincoln, and he has held the Navy to its commitment to bring the P-8As to Whidbey Island.

Helping Businesses Export
Rick fought hard for legislation that makes it easier for businesses to export, and has worked locally to create a District Export Promotion Program that works directly with local businesses to cut through red tape and start selling their products overseas. Rick knows that when we export our goods, we create jobs here at home.

Agriculture
Rick is working to ensure our local farmers have the tools they need to grow their products, export their goods, and create jobs here at home by fighting for a better pricing model for dairy farmers, making certain our crops are treated equitably, and helping potato farmers export their products to Mexico.

Local Infrastructure Needs
Rick fights hard to make sure local infrastructure needs are met. He secured funding for the Skagit General Investigation Study for flood protection and this year secured funding for a full dredging of the Swinomish Channel.

Veterans
Rick is working to make sure veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan get the support they need and deserve here at home. He voted for the Vow to Hire Heroes Act which is providing tax credits to employers that hire veterans. He secured 100 HUD-VASH grants that provide housing and comprehensive supportive services to homeless veterans. And his office is working directly with veterans and employers to translate the skills servicemembers have to private sector jobs.

Illabot Creek
Rick successfully broke through partisan gridlock in the House of Representatives to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a Wild and Scenic River. This legislation has the support of a wide range of stakeholders including environmentalists, fishermen and local elected officials.

Student Loans
Rick was an early leader in fighting to make sure interest rates on student loans did not double this year. He believes America should invest in its young people, and that investment will have payoff for them and our economy.

Intalco
Rick continues to work to keep over 500 jobs at Intalco in Ferndale. After a court ruling threatened the plant’s operation, Rick fought for a new contract that will keep the plant open into the future.

Pipeline Safety
Rick led passage of a bipartisan pipeline safety bill that will help prevent tragedies like the 1999 pipeline disaster in Bellingham.