Larsen Votes for Job-Creating Investments in Annual Government Funding Bill

Statement

WASHINGTON--Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted to approve a government funding bill that includes several job-creating investments for which he has long advocated. The Omnibus Appropriations Act provides funding for all federal agencies through September 2014, in line with a bipartisan budget agreement that Congress passed last month.

"My top priority in Congress is to invest in the foundation of long-term economic growth that creates jobs and opportunity in the Pacific Northwest," Larsen said. "This bill meets that test by directing investments to our roads, bridges and highways, helping small businesses export their products, and protecting our environmental resources in the Northwest.

"The United States did not become the most powerful economy in the world by accident. Our leaders have long made targeted investments in our infrastructure, education and research that foster economic growth and innovation. This bill is an important step in getting Congress back on track to investing in our shared prosperity.

"After a year of job-killing automatic spending cuts, I am pleased that Congress has returned to taking a rational approach to budgeting. This bill makes targeted cuts and importantly preserves vital investments that strengthen our economy. I hope this process serves as a model for bipartisan cooperation and will break the cycle of manufactured crises and shutdown politics."

Source