Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2), New Democrat Coalition Vice-Chair

Rep. Rick Larsen, Vice-Chair

After joining the New Democrat Coalition in 2001, Vice-Chair Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) quickly established himself as a leader on trade, critical infrastructure and manufacturing issues. Today, he serves as Co-Chair on the New Democrats’ Task Force on Trade, Critical Infrastructure and Manufacturing in addition to his duties as Vice-Chair of the Coalition. In both capacities, Rep. Larsen has worked diligently to help American manufacturers transport and export people, products and ideas.

As Vice-Chair, Rep. Larsen helped to craft the Coalition’s ‘Principles for Supporting Our Nation’s Critical Infrastructure and Manufacturing Base,’ and secure the backing of Coalition Members for the agenda. He also provides guidance to the Coalition’s freshman Members, lending his expertise on key policy issues to Members looking to make an impact in those areas. With one in three jobs in Washington State tied to trade, Rep. Larsen also works with both freshman and veteran Members of the Coalition to promote an export-oriented growth strategy for the United States.

“The New Democrat Coalition is uniquely positioned to serve as the pragmatic, moderate voice that can join business to traditional Democratic constituencies in order to find the best solutions. We understand that the problems our society faces are complex and that the solutions to them must be comprehensive. As Congress considers legislation to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy, I will work with my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to develop policies that advance the principles of growth, efficiency, opportunity and responsibility for our nation,” Rep. Larsen says of his role with the Coalition.

Rep. Larsen represents Washington’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties as well as all of Island and San Juan Counties. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he is able to advance the local needs of Northwest Washington. Rep. Larsen also serves as co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, which educates Members of Congress on U.S.-China issues through meetings and briefings with academic, business and political leaders from the United States and China.