Larsen, Rick

Rick Larsen represents Washington's 2nd congressional district and serves as ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In this role, he leads the Democratic opposition on the committee, which oversees the nation's transportation systems, infrastructure development, and related federal programs. As ranking member of the minority party, Larsen shapes Democratic priorities, questions majority initiatives, and advances alternative legislative proposals within the committee's jurisdiction.

Larsen grew up in Arlington, Washington, and earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota. Before his election to Congress in 2001, he worked as director of public affairs for the Washington State Dental Association and as a lobbyist for the dental profession. This background in advocacy and public policy has informed his legislative approach, though his committee assignment reflects a broader focus on transportation and infrastructure rather than health care.

As ranking member, Larsen has sponsored legislation addressing transportation priorities and veterans' services, including the VA Transit Act, the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act, and the Veteran Families Health Services Act. He has also advanced bills on marine conservation and artificial intelligence for national security. His legislative portfolio spans 78 bills, demonstrating active engagement across multiple policy areas relevant to his district and committee responsibilities.

Larsen's tenure since 2001 and his position as ranking member on a major committee reflect his standing within the Democratic caucus and his influence over infrastructure debates in Congress. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is central to federal spending and policy on roads, transit, aviation, and other critical systems, making his role significant in shaping Democratic responses to infrastructure proposals and oversight of transportation agencies.