Latest news with #RickLarsen
Reuters
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
FEMA chief would report directly to US president under new bill
WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency would report directly to the U.S. president instead of the Homeland Security secretary, under a bipartisan bill announced in the House of Representatives on Thursday. The bill would also allow FEMA to reimburse states for the cost to shelter emergency personnel after natural disasters. The measure is backed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, a Republican from Missouri, and ranking member Rick Larsen, a Democrat from Washington state. The bill adds to the debate over the agency's future. President Donald Trump has said he wants to shutter FEMA. He tasked a committee of governors, mayors and emergency managers from disaster-prone states to recommend changes by the fall.
CNBC
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNBC
U.S. auto safety agency shedding more than 25% of employees: Reuters
The U.S. auto safety agency is shedding more than 25% of its employees under financial incentive programs to depart the government offered by the Trump administration, according to data provided to Congress seen by Reuters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the Transportation Department, is shrinking from 772 employees as of May 31 to 555 under the program. The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Agency are also both losing more than 25% of their staff. Representative Rick Larsen, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, expressed concerns about the cuts, questioning how USDOT can "expedite project delivery and advance safety with a decimated workforce."
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
GBTA Brings Industry Voices to Capitol Hill to Champion Business Travel's Value and Future
Over 100 GBTA members engaged U.S. lawmakers during the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit to advocate for policies that support economic growth and global mobility Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Jerry Moran receive 2025 GBTA Navigator Awards for championing business travel in the U.S. Alexandria, VA – More than 100 members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) converged this week in Washington, D.C. for the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2025 with the collective purpose of advocating for the vital role and value of business travel. Through direct meetings with Senators, Representatives and congressional staff, members from GBTA's 38 U.S. chapters shared insights and championed policies to advance business travel's impact as an economic driver and to create a more connected and resilient travel ecosystem. Held June 10-12, the Summit provided industry professionals with the opportunity to network, learn, and engage directly with legislators to underscore the value of business travel in the U.S. economy. GBTA also advocated for streamlined international travel including policies that enhance the traveler experience and restore confidence in U.S. entry processes. GBTA participants also discussed the need to modernize the U.S. air traffic system, support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and improve passenger rail to provide viable travel alternatives. For more than two decades, GBTA has hosted legislative fly-ins to connect business travel experts with U.S. policymakers to foster understanding, advocate for priority issues and facilitate a better experience for business travelers. By promoting the strategic role of business travel in driving economies, innovation, jobs and strategic collaboration, we foster a more resilient future for business travelers and those who support them. Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA Setting the Policy Agenda for Business Travel Summit attendees heard perspectives directly from members of Congress including Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington), as well as from various experts on critical topics including air traffic system modernization, the evolution of SAF and improving U.S. passenger rail travel. In close to 150 meetings with legislators, attendees shared GBTA's policy priorities for U.S. business travel. Based on these priorities, GBTA constituents asked legislators to: Support the modernization of the air traffic system Improve business travel at U.S. borders Support funding for the hiring of 5,000 additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers Reject efforts to extend the diversion of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fe Support additional resources for CBP's implementation of the Entry and Exit Program in order to accelerate the safe facilitation of business travelers at the nation's points of entry Support the inclusion of the extension of the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) through 2031 Support future funding for U.S. rail improvements Summit attendees also shared with Congressional members key takeaways from the 'GBTA U.S. Economic Impact Study: Business Travel's Impact on Jobs and the U.S. Economy' outlining how U.S. business travel contributes $484.4 billion annually, or 1.9% of the U.S. gross domestic product. They also showcased GBTA's recent poll results reflecting industry concern about the potential negative impact of U.S. government actions on business travel. GBTA Recognizes U.S. Legislators for Championing Business Travel GBTA announced Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) as the 2025 recipients of its prestigious 'GBTA Navigator Award.' The award is presented to elected officials who have been strong advocates for issues integral to the business travel industry and recognizes them for championing the needs of business travelers and the broader travel sector. Rep. Larsen is the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and in his role, he has advocated for safety and efficiency for aviation. Last year, he worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill, which included several GBTA-supported priorities such as safety improvements to the National Airspace System, studies to improve accessibility concerns, and workforce investments to train more pilots and air traffic controllers. This year, Rep. Larsen has worked with the Department of Transportation to make improvements to our nation's air traffic control system, strategically enhance the workforce for long-term success, and foster innovation to improve aviation safety. Sen. Moran has championed increasing the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Late last year he formed the bipartisan SAF Caucus to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase U.S. competitiveness in the domestic production of SAF. Sen. Moran is actively involved in promoting aviation safety through legislative efforts and oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He has championed bills to improve aviation safety, including the NOTAM Improvement Act, and has pushed FAA leadership on safety system failures and progress in implementing improvements. The GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit is the only event in the U.S. that advocates for legislation to make the business travel industry better. This year's Summit was made possible by Altour, BWH Hotels, Cornerstone, Delta Airlines, Enterprise Mobility, CIBT, United Airlines and USiLAW. About GBTA The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit About the GBTA Foundation The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit Debbie Iannaci GBTA Global Communications, PR & Research +1 305 301 7057 GBTA
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pratt & Whitney's iconic 747SP test bed to soar into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
American aerospace leader continues its centennial celebration with a special showcase during the world's greatest aviation gathering Pratt & Whitney 747SP Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will feature a unique version of one of the world's most popular airliners as RTX's business Pratt & Whitney brings a Boeing 747SP test bed aircraft to Boeing Plaza during the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association's fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The aircraft's appearance is part of Pratt & Whitney's global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP will arrive on Sunday, July 20, and depart on Thursday, July 24, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed up close. 'Pratt & Whitney has built a storied legacy in general, commercial, and military aviation,' said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. 'As a means of celebrating its 100 years of innovation, Pratt & Whitney is flying the 747SP to be displayed for the more than half-a-million aviation enthusiasts who will attend the show.' Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion. 'Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible in flight,' said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. 'Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isn't just about showcasing a unique aircraft — it represents how our legacy of innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. This aircraft has played a pivotal role in the testing and development of our advanced propulsion technologies — from the PW800 for business jets to our groundbreaking GTF engine for commercial fleets. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, we've valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight.' Canadian subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada, founded in 1928, has attended the annual EAA show for decades and is a major player in the general aviation space. Its legendary PT6 engine — celebrating over 60 years of flight — has logged more than 500 million flying hours and remains a benchmark for performance, reliability, and innovation in turboprop propulsion. PT6 engines continue to power thousands of aircraft around the globe, from bush planes to business aviation and beyond. The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitney's test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 different experimental engines. In addition, RTX's booth located in Exhibit Hangar B will showcase Pratt & Whitney Canada's iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace technologies throughout the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is 'The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration' and EAA's membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit -30- EDITOR'S NOTE: A high-resolution image of Pratt & Whitney's Boeing 747SP is available at EAA's media resources website: Pratt & Whitney 747SP Attachment Pratt & Whitney 747SP CONTACT: Dick Knapinski EAA 920-426-6523 dknapinski@ Drew Stephani EAA 920-426-6559 dstephani@
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
At commemoration of Dayton Peace Accords, Balkan and US officials say NATO helps maintain peace
Representatives of Balkan nations that benefited from the 30-year-old Dayton Peace Accords joined Americans of both political parties on Friday to affirm the value of NATO to maintaining peace around the world. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker told a public forum at the University of Dayton held in conjunction with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly being held this week in the Ohio city that there's 'no doubt' that the U.S., as the world's leading superpower, will be challenged in the future and it's 'going to need friends.' "NATO is a great alliance to get together with our friends and our allies and make sure that we're as strong as we possibly can be so we can have peace for generations to come,' he said, while at the same time emphasizing the Trump administration's new demands on European allies to spend more on military defense. NATO was created in 1949 to provide collective security against the Soviet Union and now comprises 32 nations. U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat, and Neal Dunn, a Florida Republican, also defended the value of U.S. membership in the peacetime military alliance during a panel titled, 'Why NATO Matters to Everyday Americans.' Both also spoke in support of U.S. and NATO support for Ukraine, characterizing its victory against Russia in the 3-year-old war as crucial to European stability and to deterring future invasions by other nations, particularly China. 'NATO is a blessing for peace, and it is the best insurance for peace,' Dunn said. A panel earlier in the day drove home that point, as representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia discussed the lasting impacts of the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base not far from the parliamentary gathering site. 'I can tell you how close the value of the peace is to all of us," said Elmedin Konakovic, foreign affairs minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was a 17-year-old soldier at the time of the Bosnian war. He said the importance of the deal struck in Dayton, with the help of military and diplomatic interventions by the U.S. and NATO, was 'massive.' 'It's important, especially today, because we can see pictures now — from Ukraine, from Gaza, from Sudan, from other places — and peace is possible,' he said. 'I'm sitting today and negotiating the future of my country with the people I was literally fighting against 30 years ago, and it's much better than war, trust me. It's complex, it's complicated, it's not easy. We have many political issues, but it's much better than war." Some who were in official roles during the Bosnian war were in attendance, including former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, who moderated the discussion. She recalled a trip to Sarajevo during which touring lawmakers witnessed how the devastated capital city had turned its former Olympic Stadium into a massive burial ground. Hutchison invited former Ambassador Peter Galbraith to the stage and acknowledged the presence of retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO. The five-day anniversary event culminates in a plenary session Monday. The gathering of about 300 parliamentarians and other guests was spearheaded by Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, who was mayor of Dayton when the accords were negotiated and now heads America's NATO parliamentary delegation. Several speakers on the morning panel, entitled 'Dayton Accords 30 Years Later & Goals of Tomorrow,' spoke in favor of membership in NATO for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it continues to resolve issues left unaddressed by the 1995 pact — a temporary solution whose framework remains generally in place today. ___
