"The Republicans just reneged on their responsibility to properly fund the federal government because they were too busy giving away a $1.5 trillion dollar tax cut to corporations and the wealthy. By falling back on another short-term…
"The Republicans' final tax bill affirmed my opposition to this dangerous proposal. Today's vote increased the deficit by a staggering $1.5 trillion, which overwhelmingly benefits the rich and corporations at a time when we are running…
"As Republicans in Congress continue to push their reckless tax cuts, they put at risk crucial agencies and programs, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), military pensions, and Medicare. In addition to massively…
"The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is a dangerous bill that would supersede concealed carry laws in states across the country. In a stark departure from current reciprocity standards, this legislation will force states with strict…
"Since its formation in 1948, the nation of Israel has been under near constant threat. I strongly support Israel, and have advocated for robust U.S. engagement to help ensure their security. It is critical that we continue to press for a…
Washington, D.C. - House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement on passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report: "This week, the House of…
Public safetyBudget & taxesParks & environmentImmigration & ICEDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
Washington, D.C. - On the one-month anniversary of the October 14th terror attack on Mogadishu, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) joined Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), along with Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH), Karen Bass (D-CA),…
Washington, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA09) and Ted Yoho (R-FL03), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance, led 67 of their colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Office of Management and…
TransportationBudget & taxesImmigration & ICEEducation & libraries
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced H.R. 4415,a billthat would make it the policy of the United States not to use nuclear weapons first. Smith released the following…
"Last night, the House of Representatives voted on H.Res. 599, which expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between the coalition of nations led by Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen. I voted against H.Res. 599. I believe the…
"On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women that served, and those who continue to serve, our country. In recognition of their sacrifice, we owe our service members our deepest gratitude. "As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services…
"Our country's federal government is already massively in debt and cannot sustain the tax cut President Trump and the Republicans are proposing. It is both bad economic and fiscal policy to be debating a $1.5 trillion tax bill at a time…
TransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
Washington, D.C. -Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement aboutthe mishandling of criminal history datafor the mass shooting perpetrator in Sutherland Springs, Texas: "It is…
"The Republican tax plan released today is disastrous for American workers and middle class families. Instead of having an honest discussion about our federal budget, House Republicans are attempting to force a partisan bill that will hurt…
bating a new nuclear arms race." Numerous national security officials have pointed out the need for an accurate long-term cost assessment of U.S. nuclear modernization plans: "Starting in 2021, between 2021 and 2035, it's about $18 billion…
"Today's budget vote is the height of irresponsibility. The resolution passed today is not a legitimate budget. It is the vehicle for reckless tax cuts that will drive up the deficit and overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest Americans. Tax…
"We are not looking at a '10 out of 10' response to Hurricane Maria. Eighty percent of Puerto Rico still doesn't have electricity, thirty-five percent of people still don't have water, and people have been forced to get water from…
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Smith introduced H.R.4087, the Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act. Recent studies have indicated that ultrafine particles (UFPs) from a variety of sources could have detrimental…
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about the release of the Defense Department (DOD)'s new report on its excess infrastructure capacity. This month, the…
te facilities; repeal mandatory detention; and restore due process, oversight, accountability and transparency to the immigration detention system. "We must fix the injustices in our broken immigration detention system," said Congressman…
Public safetyLaborImmigration & ICEHealth careEducation & libraries
Washington, D.C. - The ranking members of six House committees sent a letter to their Republican counterparts and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan urging them to allow H.R. 3548 - the Republican bill authorizing the costly, destructive…
"The President of the United States has a responsibility to exercise leadership when it comes to crucial national security issues such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran. He should let the facts inform him and bear…
"I cannot begin to stress how utterly immoral it would be for brave men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. military to be kicked out, and lose their careers, purely because of discrimination," said Congressman Adam Smith,…
"Dismantling the Clean Power Plan is a direct attack on the health of Americans and the future of our climate. As the very real impacts of climate change continue to devastate vulnerable communities both at home and abroad, the United…
"Today, in an abhorrent attack on women's rights the Trump Administration ended the federal requirement for employers to cover birth control. This dangerous decision turns back the clock by enabling employers to discriminate under the…
Congress has a responsibility to put forth a budget that expands opportunities for American families to prosper. We must invest in education, affordable health care, rebuilding our collapsing infrastructure, and growing our economy for…
Budget & taxesLaborDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
"The military effort in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands continues to be significantly under-resourced and we are still not responding properly to the logistical needs at hand. These U.S. citizens are in desperate need of heliborne…
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced theDignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to reform the systemic problems in our immigration detention system. Our…
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about this week's incident regarding racial slurs at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School: "The Air Force needs to…
Washington, D.C. 'Today, House Armed Services Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) and Rep. Nydia M. Vel'zquez (D-NY) led 145 Members of Congress in writing a letter to President Trump demanding that the Department of Defense deploy additional…
Washington, D.C. -Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about President Trump's response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico: "The Trump administration's response to the…
"The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act is an affront to due process that unfairly targets our immigrant communities. This anti-immigrant bill is a blatant effort to support the Trump Administration's mass deportation agenda.…
"Freight infrastructure is critical to our future growth and competitiveness," said Congressman Smith. "Investments in our freight transportation system support our continued economic development by expanding our capacity to transport…
"Our veterans have served this country bravely and courageously. Many veterans choose to live in the Puget Sound region after their service, and it is my honor to represent them in Congress. It is important that we remember the courage and…
"Ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is irresponsible and contradicts who we are as Americans. DACA provides deportation relief to almost 800,000 immigrants, nearly 18,000 of who live in Washington state. These…
to protect Dreamers. Rescinding the DACA program will hurt more than 17,500 Washingtonians who have been granted DACA in Washington state.[1] Like many immigrants before them, these brave young people strengthen our economy and are valued…
Budget & taxesImmigration & ICEHealth careEducation & libraries
"On Labor Day, we pay tribute to the American worker and their role in supporting a strong economy. In an ever-changing world, the contributions of the labor community make certain that the United States remains globally competitive. As…
"President Trump's decision to bring an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program disrespects America's values. DACA has provided relief to nearly 800,000 immigrant youth, protecting individuals from deportation who…
"This is a dangerous decision. Afteracarefulinteragencyreview, the Obama administration halted the provision of surplus armored vehicles, bayonets, grenade launchers, large-caliber weapons, ammunition, and other specific equipment to…
"President Trump's pardon of Sheriff Arpaio is an affront to the rule of law and a deeply disturbing use of Presidential Power to sanction discrimination. As Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arpaio flagrantly ignored clear Federal immigration…
"This Presidential order is a cravenly opportunistic act of discrimination against men and women who volunteer to defend the United States. "President Trump has no credible information suggesting that transgender service undermines…
"Congratulations to Densho and the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience for being awarded these competitive grants to help preserve crucial lessons from our past to help inform our present. Their projects work to…
d indicate a heightened degree of coerciveness to the Department's actions. Please list each Department of Justice grant, program, or initiative for which the Department has conditioned, or plans to condition, local jurisdictions'…
"This week, the President has doubled down on his divisive and bigoted language. The renewed prejudice on display during his deranged press conference is further proof that Trump is morally unqualified for any elected leadership position,…
"The events that have unfolded today in Charlottesville, VA are incredibly tragic. The vile views espoused by White Supremacist movements must be swiftly and loudly condemned. I firmly believe that individuals have the right to express…
"It is a privilege to see young students, like our local Congressional Award Medal recipients, demonstrate personal initiative and a sincere commitment to bettering Puget Sound communities. I look forward to hearing about the…
"On the 52nd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), we celebrate one of our country's most important civil rights laws. As we remember this landmark legislation, we must also denounce the Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby County v. Holder…
"The United States has a proud history built on our founding as a nation of immigrants. Our existing immigration system is in dire need of reform, but the deeply prejudicial RAISE Act the President has endorsed is not the solution. This…
"Today, I voted against the Intelligence Authorization Act because of Congress' lack of progress in negotiating reforms to, and increasing protections included in, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), as well as…
"We need to provide for more environmentally responsible and economically sound management of our public lands," said Congressman Adam Smith. "As we look for sustainable solutions to our fiscal challenges, the Rural Economic Vitalization…
"The "Security Minibus" appropriations bill the House is currently debating is completely disconnected from the realities that our country faces and the spending choices we must make. This spending package includes funding for the…
TransportationBudget & taxesParks & environmentDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
"This announcement is an unwarranted and disgraceful attack on men and women who have been bravely serving their country. These service members are defending the United States around the world as we speak, and they have long done so with…
"The Defense Department should not be providing military equipment to civilian law enforcement agencies until we can be sure the program is capable of preventing dangerous items from falling into the wrong hands. The transfer of…
"Russian attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election in the United States were flagrant and unacceptable. Their meddling has not been confined simply to our borders - as they carried out aggressive campaigns to disrupt the…
Congressman Adam Smith will be a special guest at an event for small and diverse businesses this Friday, July 21st. Here in the Puget Sound region, small and diverse businesses are pillars of our local economy, and play critical roles in…
"An enormous amount of good bipartisan work has gone into the writing of this bill, and I am supporting it. Make no mistake about it: We face a complex threat environment. North Korea is testing intercontinental ballistic missiles, Russia…
TransportationBudget & taxesParks & environmentDefense & military
"This decision to delay transgender accession to the military is unjustified and morally wrong. The Defense Department has already studied the issue extensively and found that there are no substantial practical obstacles to allowing trans…
s. America must be prepared for a range of Russian hostile acts, including military provocation and cyberattacks. That's why this bill is so critical'we need a comprehensive, organized response to these threats to our democracy," said…
"Former Director Comey's testimony today in the United States Senate further confirms the enormous threat posed by Russian interference with our election system in the 2016 cycle and its continued efforts around the world. This…
"President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement is a disastrous move that undermines the most significant global climate change agreement to date. Either the President does not understand or simply does not care about the…
"Each Memorial Day we remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are deserving of our utmost respect. America's freedom and…
"I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of this this bicameral, bipartisan legislation to advance U.S. interests by creating opportunities for economic development and to improve planning and coordination of our international…
"Instead of proposing a budget that makes available the tools Americans and this country need to succeed, the Trump Administration has proposed a disastrous and ideologically-driven budget that demonstrates this President's complete lack…
Budget & taxesParks & environmentHealth careEducation & libraries
"This month's tunnel breach at the Hanford Nuclear Site underscores the importance of policies that prioritize worker health and safety. While the complete collapse of the tunnel was averted, I remain concerned. The Department of Energy…
"President Trump's decision to fire FBI director James Comey is deeply disturbing. It comes as Comey is in the midst of an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives to interfere in the…
"The executive order President Trump signed today allows for discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. I respect the fundamental right of free exercise of religion, but not at the expense of women's personal health decisions…
"House Republicans voted today to eliminate essential health benefits and protections for Americans. No one'especially not those Republicans who voted to pass it'bothered to consider the costs or the actual impacts of the American Health…
"It is my honor to recognize the Odle Middle School team from Bellevue, Washington, for winning their regional competition in this year's National Science Bowl. They have advanced to represent Washington state in the National Science…
"Our current tax code is overly-complex; there is no question it needs reexamination and overhaul. The tax proposal released today by President Trump would be disastrous. Its almost singular focus on cutting taxes for wealthy people and…
HousingBudget & taxesDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
"Protecting the planet and defending the environment must be a key priority for all of us. I am proud to represent a Congressional District where we care deeply about protecting our environment for generations to come. Earth Day has a…
"A primary duty of the United States Government is to protect its citizens, but it is critical that in doing so we do not forget our obligation to protect the privacy and rights of Americans," said Congressman Smith. "This legislation will…
"Today is Equal Pay Day, 94 days after the new year, and the day when women's wages finally catch up to what men were paid in the previous year. It is unacceptable that 53 years after passing the Equal Pay Act, women still make 79 cents…
The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act would recognize a scenic byway and historic transportation corridor through 2,400 square miles that includes the Cascade peaks, wilderness lakes and forests, as well as a network…
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made it clear that the Trump Administration does not respect local jurisdiction's understanding of how best to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their residents. The Trump Administration has…
"Congress should not undermine consumer's privacy. Today, House Republicans voted to undo important privacy protections for internet users. This partisan vote takes away Americans' choice about whether to allow their personal online…
For years, the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) and its continued threat of sequestration have negatively impacted our economy, government, and harmed our nation. The Relief from Sequestration Act of 2017 is designed to repeal the…
HousingPublic safetyTransportationBudget & taxesLaborParks & environmentDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
"Repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a mistake and would throw away the meaningful progress we have made towards increasing the quality and accessibility of affordable health care. There is undoubtedly much work still to be done to…
"President Trump has outlined a fiscal agenda that will overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy, and will likely set our country's recent economic progress back decades. Rather than focus on expanding broad-based economic opportunities for…
"I have been a strong supporter of the State of Israel and a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian territories for a long time. I believe our partnership with Israel and its people is critical and in our national…
"I am strongly opposed to the Republican plan to replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as ‘Obamacare.' This legislation, known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA), introduced earlier this month, would…
"President Trump's latest executive order on refugees and visa restrictions is reckless and runs contrary to America's founding principles.The President's second attempt at a travel ban —after his previous order was found to be…
Although the facts are still coming in, the recent revelations surrounding Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his alleged contacts with Russian officials reinforce the legitimate need for a special prosecutor. There needs to be clarity on…
The Members of Congress joined in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share a deep concern with increasing number of alarming bomb threats targeting Jewish Community…
"The opening lines of the President's speech belatedly expressed concern about the rising anti-semitism and other acts of bigotry that have occurred in our country in recent weeks. I am glad he made such a strong statement, but the rest of…
Budget & taxesLaborParks & environmentImmigration & ICEDefense & military
"I want to congratulate Friends of the Children (FOTC) for their tireless work towards breaking the cycle of generational poverty through exemplary community work to help our region's most vulnerable populations," said Congressman Adam…
Under the Executive Order titled "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States," Mr. Ramirez should not have been a priority for detention by ICE. The letter seeks clarification of the changes to ICE's enforcement…
"Any attempt by the Trump Administration to reverse course on long-standing protections afforded under the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is completely unacceptable. To deport those acting in accordance with DACA…
Congressman Adam Smith visited Compass Veterans Center on Friday, February 10th, to deliver valentines made by local students through his office's second annual Valentines for Vets program. Congressman Smith wants to make sure that our…
"President Trump's executive order banning refugees is in clear contradiction of America values. I am pleased to see that a three-judge panel for the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling that temporarily blocked…
"I applaud the commitment by VA Under Secretary Shulkin to send a team of management improvement specialists to the Seattle Veterans Affairs Hospital within 60 days. This pledge is the result of months of hard work, phone calls, and…
zing: border-box; ;">"Our interpreter was like a brother to us. He risked his life, his family's life, so we could actually work over there, and we need to get him here." -Robert Morisseau, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "If anyone deserves to…
"The absolute hypocrisy of Senate Republicans calling for ‘regular order' to fill the Supreme Court vacancy after more than a year is beyond belief. In February of last year, President Obama carried out his constitutional obligation in…
"It is a privilege to see young students like Jessica and Max demonstrating such a commitment to strengthening our communities. Their ability to complete challenging personal goals demonstrates determination and focus. They should be…
"President Trump continues to sign vague and ill-conceived executive orders that have clearly not been properly considered in a rush to fulfill campaign promises. The executive order related to regulation signed this week is just another…
"This arrangement could hardly be more ominous for the U.S. national security decision-making process and the security of our friends and allies. The moves laid out in the National Security Presidential Memorandum take an unprecedented…
"President Trump's Friday afternoon executive order banning refugees is already wreaking havoc on countless individuals here in the United States and creating lasting repercussions for our country's international stature. Aside from the…
"President Trump's reckless executive order on refugees and visa restrictions is contrary to America's founding principles and threatens our nation's security. The President has chosen to act in direct contrast to our nation's proud…
"President Trump has failed to show that he understands the difference between a presidential campaign and the serious business of governing. To solve the challenging problems the President will undoubtedly face, he should review the…
"The immigration system in the United States is broken and needs to be reformed. Building unnecessary walls, attacking local law enforcement by threatening grant funding, demanding costly mass deportation, and damaging relationships with…
"In reinstating the Global Gag Rule as one of his first executive orders, President Donald Trump has undone years of progress. International family planning programs are very important for fostering manageable and healthy families around…
"Today, I join in celebrating the life and the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. and honoring Dr. King's dream of a nation where individuals are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. "While we…
"I voted in favor of H.Res. 11, although I have ongoing concerns about the resolution. At the end of the day, I fully support Israel. As one of our strongest allies, Israel has been under threat since its creation, and the multi-faceted…