Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act that will help create jobs, provide incentives for businesses to hire workers and repair crumbling infrastructure. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 217-201.

“My number one priority is getting Americans back to work,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation will create and save hundreds of thousands of much-needed jobs for workers who were hurt most by this recession.”

The HIRE Act will spur private sector hiring by providing a payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers and an income tax credit for businesses that retain these employees. The bill also provides tax cuts to small businesses that will allow them to expand and will make key investments in infrastructure by extending the Highway Trust Fund and increasing the bond subsidy for cash-strapped states.  

“Far too many people remain out of work and struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Larsen. “The HIRE Act will send people back to work and help build a foundation for long-term economic growth.”

In December, Larsen voted for the Jobs for Main Street Act to rebuild highways and transit, expand small business lending so they can grow and hire, support job training and keep police and firefighters on the streets and teachers in the classrooms.  Larsen is committed to taking action on additional job creating measures to reduce the unemployment rate and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.

“I am pleased that the HIRE Act is fully paid for and will not add a dime to the deficit,” said Rep. Larsen. “We must restore fiscal responsibility now in order to create an economic environment that will support good jobs well into the future.”

###