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Rick Larsen's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Rick Larsen did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "As proud members of the first pro-choice majority in the House of Representatives, we unequivocally oppose efforts to roll back access to reproductive health services, including abortion, and underscore the role that these essential services continue to play in this global pandemic. While we are grateful for your leadership and work standing against attempts to further restrict abortion access in COVID-19 relief packages, it is critical that we continue to fight to ensure that any future relief packages reject Republican efforts to diminish access to comprehensive reproductive health care. We must ensure that all communities are able to seek the essential and time-sensitive services they need during these difficult times." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade guaranteed the right to choose. #SCOTUS’s decision to strike down Roe is wrong, but we are not powerless to fight back." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Medicare is one of the cornerstones of our social safety net. I believe that Medicare beneficiaries deserve the best treatments possible. To that end, I supported measures, like closing the Medicare prescription drug donut hole--which has saved Medicare beneficiaries in Washington state $95 million since 2012--and cracking down on Medicare fraud that strengthens Medicare and improves its long-term viability. Uncovering Medicare fraud protects Medicare's long-term viability and returns taxpayer dollars to their rightful purpose. I also fought for better access to health care for Medicare beneficiaries by supporting free preventative care and maintaining Washington state's physician reimbursement rate. And I voted to repeal the flawed payment formula that caused uncertainty for seniors about whether they could continue seeing their doctors. I am working hard to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid are protected for future generations." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 94% by Alliance for Retired Americans. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Social Security must remain a safety net that covers all of our seniors. Washington state seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to Social Security. They are entitled to the benefits they have earned. For that reason, I oppose the privatization of Social Security. While Social Security is fiscally sound for the near future, the retirement of the baby boom generation will strain it. We owe it to future generations to keep Social Security solvent and not take unnecessary risks with it. That is why I support a proposal to make the benefit formula more generous, use a cost-of-living formula that takes into account the expense of seniors' purchases, and preserve Social Security for the future by scrapping the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress should be looking for progressive solutions to break down barriers so all people can fully participate in democracy," said Larsen, a cofounder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. "This bill returns power to the people and helps build a more equitable future by strengthening voting rights, expanding access to the ballot box, ending corruption, holding elected officials accountable and getting dark money out of politics." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 87% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Black people in this country live with this fear daily -- the fear that they or a loved one could be the next victim. Real justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice and countless others means ending police brutality and addressing the systemic issues that enable racism and inequity to persist." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 5% by Center for Security Policy. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This year's National Defense Authorization Act makes the critical investments needed to support Washington's servicemembers and their families, keep our region and our nation safe, protect the environment and maintain U.S. leadership in global security," said Larsen. "I am thankful to my colleagues for including Washington's Second District priorities in this year's bill and look forward to bringing this important legislation over the finish line." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This year's NDAA makes important investments to strengthen military readiness, support servicemembers and their families, help small businesses compete for defense contracts, and spur innovative research to prepare for the future of national defense," said Larsen. "I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee on this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get the final bill over the finish line." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "Robust federal investment in transportation and infrastructure means jobs and is key to economic recovery. I support the Moving Forward Act, which invests nearly $7 billion over the next five years in Washington state’s transportation system to put people back to work, jumpstart the economy and make the transportation network safer and greener." (www.ricklarsen.org)
  • "The bipartisan infrastructure law delivers historic long-term investments in cleaner and greener transportation for people in Northwest Washington and across the state," said Larsen. "This critical funding will help decrease commute times, lower costs for working families, combat harmful carbon pollution and support well-paying union jobs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "I understand the impact COVID-19 and essential social distancing measures continue to have on Washingtonians. This bipartisan bill delivers further relief for small businesses, including businesses in underserved communities, to retain workforce and keep the lights on. The legislation includes increased support for frontline hospitals and health workers to get the equipment needed to fight COVID-19 and stay healthy. It also boosts funding for testing which is critical to helping ensure Washingtonians can safely get back to work and resume their daily lives." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the economy is no longer on the mend -- it is on the move. These critical investments ensure all Washingtonians benefit from the economic recovery by making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, creating millions of green jobs, lowering energy costs and combating climate change," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "I am proud to cosponsor this historic bill. H.R. 1 will move to end corruption, strengthen democracy and voting rights and get dark money out of politics. This long-overdue legislation will restore faith in government,” Larsen said. “I am also happy the bill includes legislation I introduced, the America Votes Act, to allow voters arriving at polls without the identification required by their state to submit a sworn, written statement affirming their identity, as we do in Washington state. I look forward to the House passing this bill and setting an agenda that works better for people of the Second District.” - (larsen.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our country needs a rational, national energy policy that creates and keeps clean energy jobs within the U.S. Northwest Washington is already a leader when it comes to renewable energy, and I am working to strengthen our region's role as a hub for sustainable energy. I am a strong supporter of research funding, technology development and tax credits to grow our investment in clean energy and create new jobs in the private sector. Following the historic climate change agreement in Paris, our country and our region must take action to lead the way on renewable energy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "You have fought for the clean energy industry time and time again, and your work has ensured that this industry has become a cornerstone of the American economy. Now this industry needs economic relief, and Congress must act soon. Investments in clean energy pay back dividends because of the breadth and geography that are impacted -- either job losses will devastate the communities we represent, or economic relief for this sector will help them weather this crisis." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Stopped by Snohomish County PUD’s Community Solar Project in Arlington to talk about investment in renewable energy. I will continue to support smart investments in renewable energy, including tax credits for #solar & #wind. @SnoPUD @snocounty" (twitter.com)
  • "As someone who uses public transportation every day, I understand the importance of safe, efficient and affordable public transit systems, especially buses, to hardworking Washingtonians," said Larsen, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bus Caucus. "Local transit agencies like Everett Transit and the Whatcom Transportation Authority in my district are expanding electric bus fleets to keep people moving while reducing maintenance costs, lowering energy consumption and reducing their carbon footprint. I will continue to champion a bold, FDR-like investment in electric buses and the overall transit system to create well-paying jobs, drive economic recovery and build a cleaner and greener transportation network." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by League of Conservation Voters. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Administrator Wheeler: "EPA is failing to live up to its charge of protecting the environment. Instead, it is proposing to weaken a commonsense pollution standard that, combined with exempting transmission and storage facilities and weakening current standards as EPA has proposed, will result in 5 million metric tons of methane emissions each year--enough gas to heat 4 million homes. The United States must continue to lead in reducing emissions of harmful super pollutants such as methane. Tackling methane's contribution to climate change is an easy and concrete action we can take right now. It is also an opportunity to curb increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, other negative health effects, and premature deaths." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress has a responsibility to better protect communities from gun violence," said Larsen. "These two commonsense bills make it harder for dangerous individuals and criminals to access firearms while respecting Second Amendment rights. While no law can prevent all shootings, I will continue to support meaningful solutions like a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines that keep communities safe." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Expanding and improving Medicare is not only good and critically-needed policy, it also has support from overwhelming bipartisan majorities of the American people. According to a recent Gallup poll, 65 percent of Americans, across party lines, are in favor of lowering the Medicare eligibility age.6 Another poll found that 79 percent of polled older voters want a routine dental, vision and hearing benefit added to Medicare." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I oppose the privatization of Medicare and have called for stricter accountability for private Medicare Advantage plans." - (www.ricklarsen.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The #FAMILYAct will support Washington state families, businesses and the economy. #PaidLeave and medical leave for U.S. workers is long-overdue." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 Build Back Better. "The Build Back Better Act (BBB) is a major $1.75 trillion investment to provide child care and elder care for millions of families, universal preschool, clean energy jobs, expanded health care and paid leave, tax fairness and support for worker union organizing. It would also provide meaningful protections for immigrants and includes policies to curb excessive prescription drug costs. This bill passed the House on Nov. 19, 2021." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 'Seniors have long paid too much for prescriptions they rely on. Currently, Medicare is prohibited by law from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies over the price of medication. This must change. I support provisions that would finally let Medicare get a better deal for seniors, saving patients up to 55% on some medications. For patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, this legislation could save you thousands of dollars every year." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Immigrants make Northwest Washington a stronger and better place," said Larsen, an original cosponsor of the American Dream and Promise Act. "I voted to stand with Dreamers and immigrants who have come to the United States to escape extraordinary circumstances and build a better life for themselves and their families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The President learned little from the last failed executive order, which plunged the country into chaos and, thanks to Washington state's leadership, was rejected by the courts," said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. "The intent of this new policy -- which is to vilify Muslim immigrants and refugees -- is just as morally decrepit and unabashedly un-American as the original. This will not make our country safer." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "The bipartisan aid package includes: * $8.7 billion to deliver economic aid and fund government services across Ukraine * $6 billion to deliver weapons and security assistance to the Ukrainian military * $5 billion to provide food assistance in Ukraine and around the world * $3.9 billion to bolster U.S. military operations in Europe * $900 million to support families fleeing from Ukraine" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported a bipartisan aid package that delivers nearly $40 billion in emergency funding to support the Ukrainian people and help the young democracy continue to defend itself from Putin's unprovoked attack." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "The bipartisan aid package includes: * $8.7 billion to deliver economic aid and fund government services across Ukraine * $6 billion to deliver weapons and security assistance to the Ukrainian military * $5 billion to provide food assistance in Ukraine and around the world * $3.9 billion to bolster U.S. military operations in Europe * $900 million to support families fleeing from Ukraine" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The United States has provided more than $3 billion in aid to help Ukraine defend itself." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported a bipartisan aid package that delivers nearly $40 billion in emergency funding to support the Ukrainian people and help the young democracy continue to defend itself from Putin's unprovoked attack." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported House-passage of the Build Back Better Act" - (larsen.house.gov)
  • "Today's passage of the USMCA is a win for workers, families and jobs in Washington state, the most trade-dependent state in the United States. In Snohomish County, 60 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and strict enforcement rules that will help workers and businesses compete globally. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to modernize NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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