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Articles by Rick Larsen
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.
H.R. 2860: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor.
Utah constitutional amendment is about safeguarding checks and balances in lawmaking Original
In a recent statement, Sutherland Institute called for legislative action in a special session, preparatory to a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November. The catalyst is the peril created by the recent Utah Supreme Court ruling stating that when citizens pass initiatives, those initiatives are protected from "unfettered legislative amendment, repeal or replacement." In an election year, any hint of action designed to protect the Legislature can quickly devolve into partisan reactions.
THE SPOOKY MIRROR
This film was written and produced for the Midnight Oil 48-hour film challenge in 2023. GRANDPA is lying in his deathbed, starting regretfully into a spooky mirror on his nightstand. He coughs to indicate he doesn’t have long now. GRANDPA: Well, you monster. You fiend. You gave me all the riches and worldly possessions I could have wanted, but you drove my family away and then took back my wealth. I hope you’re happy. MIRROR: (Laughs cruelly) Oh, I’m very happy.
Catching up with Everyone Mentioned in Mambo No 5
I tell you, 1999 was a heady time. They haven’t really thought of themselves as “the boys” for quite awhile. Two have moved away, and with work and family stuff, it’s just not really possible to hang out aimlessly and party like that anymore. Secretly, the times they don’t miss that kind of stuff is far more frequent than the times they do. It’s nice to hear from you though. Angela got married in 2003, and has three kids in their mid-teens.
As the Family Goes, So Goes the State.
When it comes to realizing the nation’s most important ideals — from the American dream to the “pursuit of happiness” — Utah has a well-deserved reputation for leading out. The state has a pioneering record when it comes to maximizing the odds that poor kids make it in America and that its citizenry is . And the research tells us that the fact that no state in America has stronger families than Utah is a big reason why this state does so well on so many national rankings.
How Utah's family culture can remain strong Original
When it comes to realizing the nation's most important ideals - from the American dream to the "pursuit of happiness" - Utah has a well-deserved reputation for leading out. The state has a pioneering record when it comes to maximizing the odds that poor kids make it in America and that its citizenry is . And the research tells us that the fact that no state in America has stronger families than Utah is a big reason why this state does so well on so many national rankings.
NATO must continue to stand with Ukraine | U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen
In October, representatives from NATO member countries, including the United States, gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the 69th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The primary focus of this year’s session was NATO allies’ and partners’ unwavering support for Ukraine. As a member of the Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee, I presented my second report on Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and the international response to Putin’s illegal war.
America is almost 250 years old. Will we see celebrations or a funeral wake? Original
In Utah, July 4 and 24 create what is essentially - if unintentionally - a monthlong celebration of freedom, heritage and history. Utah's July festivities share the calendar with other, more intentional monthlong celebrations nationwide. Other commemorations seek to educate and elevate various experiences and perspectives within the American story.
Budget agreement will maintain economic leadership | Guest View
Budget agreement will maintain economic leadership | Guest View Last updated 6/1/2023 at 7:34am I will be voting "yes" on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, a necessary step to prevent catastrophic default and maintain U.S. economic leadership in the world. Passing the BBA is a critical step forward to protect northwest Washington working fami... For access to this article please sign in or subscribe. You might be interested in:
The holes in the cheese
By Rick Larsen The holes in the cheese enhance the eating experience by giving you a tiny break while you are eating to enjoy the full flavor without getting overwhelmed by too much all at once What if I told you it was the air in the croissant that you truly loved? air, but bread air A dense brick of croissant would be unmanageable and you'd never survive To truly know the Is,| you must also know the isn't
A James Bond Adventure
A sly smirk lingered on James Bond's face as he slid the chips across the felt of the table. A £60000 bet, but also a chance to get the invite to Blofeld's secret lair. His opponent, Blofeld's right hand man, gazed wide-eyed at the pile of chips, while his beautiful mistress, Veracity Finkman held Bond's gaze. Bond also did not look away from her as he lifted his martini to his lips. With the first sip, a familiar taste caused bile to rise up in his throat.
The cat story
I used to think my cat was ignoring me, but recently I discovered that it's really a language barrier. My cat speaks French. It was really an accidental discovery. We were recently watching the 2001 Jean-Pierre Jeunet film Amelie, starring Audrey Tatou, when I noticed the cat was really into the movie. I mean, really following the plot, empathizing with the characters and absorbing the themes and allusions.
Language is a funny thing
Like how there's Millions of words But not one To describe that white material You put in the toaster Or make sandwiches from That sits on the counter. Or that feeling you get when you Want to hold someone's hands forever Or that thing where You push your lips against theirs No words for these things But So many words for boats Ship, yacht, schooner, dinghy, canoe, boat Language is a funny thing
Little lists 4
Little in size, big on flavor Click like Click subscribe Enable notifications Share on social media Better Call King Saul The New Testament of Old Christine Young Solomon SanfLord & Son Holy Ghost Whisperer Weird head, loser What are you looking at, two opposite sides of the room? I'm gonna use you head to close this can of paint I opened earlier! I bet everything looks like a nail to you, doesn't it? Where'd you get that shirt, the junior miss department?
Little Lists 3
Formerly small, now little. Maybe tiny later.
National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 884)
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national aviation preparedness plan for communicable disease outbreaks, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor. Sponsor and status Rick Larsen Sponsor.
AAIM Act (H.R. 6270)
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program to provide grants related to advanced air mobility infrastructure, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor. Sponsor and status Rick Larsen Sponsor.
Divided country and political polarization prevents healthy debate and learning./opinion
When issues of shared importance — like race, equality, immigration, climate change and crime — most always break along party lines, we should question whether we are hearing the complete and nonpoliticized truth on any of them. America has moved rapidly down the path of polarization — faster than other nations, according to Brown University. “Affective polarization” causes too many of us to see everything — and everyone — first and foremost through a negative political lens.
Aviation safety and 5G can coexist, but stakeholders must work together
Feb. 3, 2022 at 8:01 am By and Special to The Times The rollout of our country’s 5G wireless network has been marked by delays, dysfunction and denial. It didn’t have to be this way! In 2019, aviation stakeholders, policymakers like us and safety advocates loudly warned it would be a grave mistake to turn on 5G without first ensuring that interference from these powerful networks wouldn’t adversely impact aviation safety.
What the infrastructure bill means for Washington state | Guest View
Rep. Larsen: ‘This bold investment means jobs, a cleaner, and greener transportation network in Washington.’ Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen released the following about the $1.2 trillion U.S. House infrastructure package that will bring more than $8.5 billion to Washington state. So what does that mean for Mukilteo and the state? The following, detailing what the federal bill includes, is from a Larsen news release.
Opinion: Is the Utah Legislature going to seek real education solutions?
Public policy debates always involve competing views among diverse stakeholders. As the 2022 legislative session approaches, there are two questions that should be asked in anticipation of a debate that will surely come — addressing civics and history curriculum. First, are there real solutions that are broadly acceptable to most stakeholders? Second — and this is important — will stakeholders allow for real solutions?
Opinion: Why Utah’s civics education is under debate — and what to do about it
Right now, Utah is experiencing challenging — even combative — debates over social issues and appropriate K-12 education curriculum. At its core, this challenging moment has to do with parents feeling a loss of control over the education and well-being of their children. Whether the issue is mask mandates, in-person learning, or curriculum on race and gender that seems more divisive than instructive, it is fair to say that parents are upset.
Sutherland Institute's public statement on Critical Race Theory and proposed legislative action
Many in Utah are deeply concerned about what is being taught in the classroom today - Critical Race Theory has become a priority focus. These justified concerns are driving calls for immediate legislative action this week in the form of a CRT ban. Sutherland Institute recognizes the lasting impact of lessons taught - particularly in the most formative years - and shares the concern. Response is appropriate - however - the way we respond will teach a lesson of its own.
As U.S. exits Afghanistan, focus is on China, NATO
April 20, 2021 at 1:44 pm Updated April 20, 2021 at 2:03 pm By Special to The Times President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan later this year is a confirmation of the National Defense Strategy that prioritizes China and Russia as the main threats to U.S. interests (although for different reasons). Since 2011, the constant refrain of a conditions-based withdrawal morphed into a self-perpetuating argument to permanently remain in Afghanistan.
Guest opinion: Does freedom have an expiration date?
Current events call to mind a question posed by columnist Cal Thomas: “Does America have an expiration date?” History says all democracies do. Sir John Bagot Glubb described the seven stages of empires: pioneers, conquests, commerce, affluence, intellect, decadence and finally, decline and collapse. From this historical perspective, one could argue that we stand on the doorstep of decline and collapse. But is it inevitable?
Guest opinion: Our future depends upon understanding our past
In 1957, the space race with Russia inspired nationwide focus on academic achievement and technology. In 2011, President Barack Obama invoked that history to announce a new “Sputnik moment” — uniting us around a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Both efforts recognized education as critical to our global standing, economic growth and national security. And both demonstrated our ability to change education priorit ies when properly motivated.
Commander's report from Valley Springs American Legion Post 131
Rick Larsen, Post Commander Published 12:02 p.m. CT June 19, 2020 | Updated 12:06 p.m. CT June 19, 2020 The alley side parking lot is finished, adding two handicap parking spots, bringing the Valley Springs Post 131 up to four handicap parking spaces. (Photo: Submitted) July is here and the year is one half over. It is amazing how quickly time goes by. June saw a lot of activity and sadly we lost one of our most dedicated members.
Guest opinion: Racism did not begin in America, but it can end here
There are two things that stand out as I watch a nation react to the death of George Floyd. First, I will never understand how any American, in any corner of their mind, can assert Mr. Floyd to be deserving of such a fate based on the color of his skin. Second, there is more than a single agenda at play. The righteous cause of racial equality is being hijacked — and that is a wake-up call we cannot afford to ignore.
Rick B. Larsen and Patrice Onwuka: Youth mental health hangs in balance. Philanthropy can help.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Karen Huntsman and her family gave a $150 million gift from the Jon M. Huntsman family to establish the Huntsman Mental Health Institute to bolster the existing University Neuropsychiatric Institute and psychiatry department, Nov. 4, 2019. American is facing unprecedented challenges. In just a few weeks, COVID-19 has changed nearly every facet of American life.
History shows us government expands in a crisis, then stays that way
Originally published by The American Conservative. The COVID-19 crisis offers unprecedented insight into the delicate balance between free market solutions and government overreach. We see it today in the admittedly tricky balance between personal freedom, public health and economic survival. But the real underlying problem may be more significant than it appears.
With Each Crisis, POTUS Becomes More Powerful, and Partisan
This has been the pattern: the Executive assumes new power that is never fully annulled when the threat ends. Presidents Woodrow Wilson, George W. Bush and Richard M. Nixon (public domain) The COVID-19 crisis offers unprecedented insight into the delicate balance between free market solutions and government overreach. We see it today in the admittedly tricky balance between personal freedom, public health and economic survival. But the real underlying problem may be more significant than it appears.
Wednesday Morning Surf Report on Apple Podcasts
43 episodes Comedians Rick Larsen and Jeff Cardello host guests every week to answer important questions. Comedians Rick Larsen and Jeff Cardello host guests every week to answer important questions.
Guest opinion: Expecting traditional outcomes in a world of changing values is insane
We often remind ourselves, and each other, that to repeatedly do the same thing and expect a differentoutcome is the definition of insanity. Consider this corollary: To stopdoing the things that have created the outcomes we value, and expect the same results, is no less insane. And in many cases, dangerously so.
WashU Mourns Loss of Long-Time Athletic Trainer Rick Larsen
Posted: Feb 07, 2020 St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 7, 2020 – Washington University in St. Louis head athletic trainer and former baseball coach Rick Larsen passed away on Thursday, Feb. 6, after a six-year battle with cancer. Larsen was 65. Larsen, a native of Tomah, Wis., spent 39 years as a member of the WashU Department of Athletics, including the past 35 as head athletic trainer.
Guest opinion: Education - when will we ever learn?
Education policy debates in Utah almost always turn into full-blown arguments. Given education’s standing as the highest ranked priority for Utahns year after year, and the diversity of views around ideas and solutions, it’s no wonder. When will we learn that the “us vs. them” approach — pitting traditional models and structures against innovation and change — is not solving the problem?
Guest opinion: As Hamilton said, civil and religious liberty go together
Today, any conversation combining religion and politics leads to the conversational equivalent of spontaneous combustion. And yet, we cannot forget where we came from. In 1774, 19-year-old Alexander Hamilton warned that while British taxes and other oppressive practices were a threat and a burden, there was something far worse to fear.
Chris Stewart and Rick B. Larsen: We need a new approach when we discuss socialism
Socialism is a zombie that won’t stay in the grave – no matter how many times capitalism defeats it. Every time socialism is seriously put into practice, hunger, poverty, tyranny and death follow. Conversely, capitalism works: AEI scholar and economics professor Mark J. Perry writes that nearly 1 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in the last 20 years, thanks to free market capitalism.
Guest opinion: We are misreading and misleading millennials - badly
Adobe Stock Millennials are currently 24-38 years old, and as a voting bloc they are about to surpass Generation X and baby boomers. Millennials are currently 24-38 years old, and as a voting bloc they are about to surpass Generation X and baby boomers. When they ultimately show up, they have the numbers — approximately 83 million strong. They are already assuming corporate and elected leadership — and they are none too happy with Congress, the Constitution or capitalism.
NATO at 70: Strategic advantages of NATO at home and abroad
On April 4, 1949, representatives of twelve nations came together in Washington, D.C. to establish a remarkable and enduring alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Since its foundation, NATO has been dedicated to freedom for its member states, deterring would-be adversaries and European security. Central to this alliance is the principle that an attack on any ally is considered an attack on all.
The side effects of temporary tolerance
During a recent visit, my doctor forever changed my view of tolerance when he asked, “How are you tolerating the medication?” To him, tolerance meant: Are the side effects worth the benefits? I reasoned that I would prefer not to take the medication – frankly, it was making me queasy – but if there is benefit down the road, I will tolerate it until I no longer need to tolerate it. And, if it gets too uncomfortable, I will choose to stop tolerating it.
Helping Sean Navigate Social Security to Receive Disability Benefits
One of the most important and rewarding parts of being a Member of Congress is supporting community members who need help navigating issues with federal agencies. As your Congressman, I am here to help support you and serve as a liaison between you and federal agencies. My office can support you to clarify determinations, track the progress of applications or appeals and work with federal agencies to address specific issues you are dealing with. During the 115th Congress, between Jan.
Guest opinion: We need to do better than ‘tolerance’
In February 2019, we observe Black History Month with troubling images that are in the rearview mirror – but not nearly far enough behind us. Hate crimes in the nation’s 10 largest cities increased by 12 percent last year, reaching the highest level in more than a decade. “Crimes motivated by race or ethnicity bias are consistently the most common type of reported hate crime, and African Americans are the most targeted group,” according to The Washington Post.
Commentary: The Constitution is working, but Congress isn’t
The current debate over the border wall and the associated government shutdown is complex politically and constitutionally. Scholars are debating what the president can and cannot do, and partisan divides are on full display. But something important is being lost in the arguments. We the people can learn from this, and the lessons can empower us as citizens and inform our actions as voters.
Guest opinion: Can you go a year without anger?
Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House after meeting with lawmakers about border security, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. As the holiday season ends and we pack away the warmth and peace that tends to accompany time spent on faith, family and giving, we can feel the collision of re-entry into the world of angry post-holiday headlines and arguments. But is this shocking relapse absolutely necessary?
Guest opinion: Medical marijuana debate in Utah resembles a NASCAR pileup
When accidents occur in auto racing, spectators get so caught up in the carnage and the speed at which it all happens that they have little time to consider what might have set the whole thing in motion. Was it something that happened in the heat of competition? Or was there an unsportsmanlike nudge that sent the cars careening? The medical marijuana ballot initiative has come to resemble a NASCAR pileup. It’s time to take a deep breath and think carefully about where we go next.
Medical marijuana debate in Utah resembles a NASCAR pileup
Some concerned groups – Sutherland Institute among them – had questions as to whether people had actually read the petition, or were responding to brief explanations and signing in favor of a very complicated issue (an inherent risk of the ballot initiative process). For others in Utah, red flags in this initiative include overly broad language that could lead to unintended and even perilous consequences. This is where the nudging began.
The U.S. can't fund compassion if it has no money
Despite its complexity and absence of empathy, math always has served as the arbiter of fact vs. opinion. But when the math itself comes into question, we are left to partisan interpretations — and that creates a polarizing situation.
The U.S. can't fund compassion if it has no money
Despite its complexity and absence of empathy, math always has served as the arbiter of fact vs. opinion. But when the math itself comes into question, we are left to partisan interpretations — and that creates a polarizing situation.
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