Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) joins the newly-formed, bipartisan Croatian Congressional Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. With many constituents of Croatian descent in the 2nd Congressional District, Larsen has signed on to the caucus in order to better serve his Croatian-American constituents and to support Croatia’s efforts to join the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Tonight Larsen will participate in the caucus kick off where he will be joined by other caucus colleagues and officials from the Croatian Embassy.

“The 2nd Congressional District has large Croatian-American populations like those in Bellingham, Everett and Anacortes,” Larsen said. “The caucus will allow me to act as a link between the Croatian-Americans I represent in Congress with the Croatian people as they form a strong democracy.”

Croatian-American constituents expressed their support of Larsen’s caucus membership.

“My family represents five generations of commercial fishermen who, since the very early 1900’s, have earned their livelihood in U.S. waters,” said Barbara Piercey of Everett, WA. “My entire family extends to Congressman Larsen our support, respect, and appreciation for his representation of our Croatian heritage in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Maria Franulovich-Petrish of Anacortes, WA, serves as Executive Director of the Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble.

“After 30 years of working to preserve Croatian heritage in our local communities and seeing the Croatian people achieve independence, it means so much to me to see Congressman Larsen serve as a founding member of the Croatian Congressional Caucus,” she commented. “Congress’s interest shows great hope for the Croatian people and their government.”

Larsen represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District that includes Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.