Rick Larsen

To protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza, and for other purposes.

in committee

VA Transit Act

in committee

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

introduced

“Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on Friday, May 15, 2026, for an important family commitment. I will be present and voting when the House returns to session this week. Had I been present, I would have voted; NAY on Roll Call No. 174, and YEA on Roll Call No. 175. ____________________”

2026-05-19 · Government Reform

“Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Allison Larsen, a dedicated educator and principal of Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, Washington, whose impact on her school and community will be felt for generations. Sadly, Allison passed away on March 15, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Allison devoted her career to serving students, families and staff with compassion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the power of education. She joined Edmonds-Woodway High School in 2014 as an assistant principal, where she quickly earned the trust and admiration of those around her. In 2020, she became the school's principal, leading [[Page E285]] with a steady hand, a caring heart and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. Throughout her professional career, Allison was known for her genuine care for people and her ability to build meaningful relationships across her school community. She believed deeply in the work of educators and took great pride in supporting students and staff in achieving their fullest potential. Her leadership reflected both high expectations and heartfelt compassion, ensuring that every student felt seen, supported and valued. Even in the face of a terminal illness, Allison's dedication to her school never wavered. She remained committed to uplifting those around her, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, strength and purpose. Allison was also a beloved member of the Larsen family as the wife of my cousin Mike, and our family deeply mourns her passing. Allison added spice to family events with her wit and insights. We will all terribly miss her. Mr. Speaker, Allison Larsen's impact on Edmonds-Woodway High School and the broader Edmonds School District community is immeasurable. Her life stands as a testament to the profound difference one educator can make. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her remarkable service, celebrating her legacy and extending our deepest condolences to her husband, our family and all who were fortunate to know and work alongside her. ____________________”

2026-03-27 · Education

“Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Colonel Margarethe ``Grethe'' Cammermeyer's contributions to LGBTQ rights and neuroscience nursing in the United States. Born in Oslo, Norway, Grethe became a citizen in 1960 and joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1961 when she was just 19 years old. After finishing college, she served on active duty as an Army nurse in Germany, the U.S. and Vietnam. She later earned a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Washington's School of Nursing. She served concurrent careers in VA medical centers, the Army Reserves and the National Guard. In 1988, while answering a question during a routine security clearance interview, Grethe disclosed that she was a lesbian. The National Guard then began military discharge proceedings against her, but Grethe challenged this action in federal court. In June 1994, a [[Page E125]] federal court ruled that her discharge and the ban on gays and lesbians serving in the military were unconstitutional, paving the way for future LGBTQ service members in our armed services. After returning to the National Guard, she served courageously as one of the few openly gay or lesbian people in the U.S. military until her retirement in 1997. Grethe is a decorated member of the U.S. military and a nationally recognized practitioner of neuroscience nursing. With a focus on neuroscience, she has been an active researcher and author or contributor to dozens of publications. She has been recognized as the Veterans Administration Nurse of the Year in 1985, earned the Bronze Star for Service in Vietnam, and was Chief Nurse of the Washington National Guard. Throughout her career, she challenged policies that discriminated against married women and married women who became pregnant. In 2010, after 17 years of advocating for the repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'', Colonel Cammermeyer led the Pledge of Allegiance during President Obama's ceremony repealing the policy. Gay men and women are now allowed to serve openly in the military because of her determination and persistence. In 2012, after same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington State, Grethe and her partner Diane Divelbess became the first same-sex couple to receive a license in Island County. Grethe is not just celebrated among her Island County neighbors but recognized nationwide for her contributions to LGBTQ rights. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to commend Grethe for her outstanding courage, dedication to expanding the field of neuroscience nursing and enduring legacy of service to her community. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude for her service. ____________________”

2026-02-10 · Civil Rights