Congressman Smith released the following statement on unemployment insurance: "Despite consecutive months of job growth, our economy is still recovering from one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. Through no fault of their…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act: "I want to thank Chairman McKeon, all…
Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following the budget agreement passed the House of Representatives: "This budget deal, while not perfect, is a small step forward. It provides two…
HousingTransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the budget agreement: "It is critical that Congress functions more effectively. We have a tremendous amount of work to do to grow our economy, create jobs, get our deficit under…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela: "Today, the world lost one of its most cherished leaders. While Nelson Mandela, the man, is now gone, his legacy…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement after a short-term deal to halt Iran nuclear ambitions was struck: "The deal announced today is a positive step in the right direction and I applaud the…
Congressman Smith released the following statement encouraging support for all those affected by the Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda: "I am very saddened by the destruction and the thousands who have lost their lives from the devastating…
Congressman Smith released the following statement on the Senate passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA): "I am very happy to see the Senate pass EDNA. Currently, it remains legal in 29 states to fire or refuse to hire…
Congressman Smith released the following statement after former U.S. Speaker and Washington State Congressman Tom Foley passed away: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of former U.S. Speaker of the House Tom Foley. Tom was a…
Congressman Smith released the following statement after voting for legislation that will end the shutdown and avoid default: "I am glad to see that Congress has agreed to legislation that ends the shutdown and keeps our nation from…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the first day of the Republican shutdown: "It is critical that Congress pass a bill that allows the United States Government to operate. The consequences of a long-term…
Public safetyTransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after his vote House Republicans' refusal to bring up a vote on the Senate funding measure: "For the second time, the Senateplans toconsider and vote on funding measuresthat…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after his vote opposing the House Republicans' Continuing Resolution: "The House could have avoided a shutdown by passing the Senate's clean bill that would continue to fund…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government and avoid a shutdown: "With the Senate's passage of a clean bill that would continue to fund the…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 59, a measure that threatens a government shutdown and does nothing to eliminate sequestration: "We should be focused on…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps: "Tomorrow we recognize the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps and the 80,000 members that help fight to expand educational and…
TransportationParks & environmentDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on H.R. 3102, a bill that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by nearly $40 billion: "Today, I opposed drastic cuts to SNAP that would eliminate…
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon and Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following joint statement about the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard: "We're saddened by today's heartbreaking attack at the…
Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement in remembrance of September 11th: "On the 12th anniversary of September 11th, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who we lost on that tragic day. We must…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement after the President's speech on Syria: "Last night, the President made it clear that the Assad regime murdered more than 1,400 people, including more…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not challenge state law and updated its federal enforcement policy to not target Washington State voters complying with state law: "I…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington: "Thousands gathered in Washington, DC and witnessed history when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his…
After visiting the Jordan-Syria Border, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the situation in Syria: "It now appears that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons to kill hundreds…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act this Saturday: "Japanese Internment during World War II is one of the darkest stains on American History.…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement about Russia's anti-LGBT laws and their potential impact on the Olympics: "Russia's policies to arrest and intimidate LGBT people are appalling. Recent laws have allowed the…
Congressman Smith made the following statement on the Bangladesh Government's interference in the affairs of Grameen Bank: "By providing microfinance programs that offer small loans at extremely low interest rates, Grameen Bank has given…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement about the NSA Amendments in the Defense Appropriations bill: "The federal government should never be allowed to access the content of phone calls or internet communications by…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after opposing, H.R. 5, the Republican bill to reauthorize to Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): "Today, House Republicans lost sight of investing in the future of our…
Congressman Smith released the following statement after interest rates on federally backed Stafford student loans doubled today from 3.4 to 6.8 percent: "Providing our youth with access to higher education is a necessary investment in the…
House Armed Service Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement after the House passed legislation improving protections of whistleblowers reporting sexual assault crimes: "I am pleased to see the House take…
Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement after the passage of comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate: It is time to address our immigration system in a comprehensive way, and the Senate passage of their immigration…
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) invalidated Section Four of the Voting Rights Act, a key provision that protects voting rights in nine states that historically have had discriminatory voting practices. The decision found…
Today, the Supreme Court ruled on two cases dealing with same-sex marriage. In the case of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Court ruled the law unconstitutional, citing the Fifth Amendment, and enabling the federal government to…
HousingBudget & taxesDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement following the Army's announcement on force structure changes: "I am disappointed with today's announcement that the Army will deactivate the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd…
TransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement regarding his vote against the farm bill, which would have cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by $20.5 billion: "I was pleased to see that the Farm Bill did not…
At the urging of U.S. Representatives Adam Smith, Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer, the U.S. Army has approved funds to construct a National Guard Readiness Center to replace the old Tacoma Armory. The three Members of Congress wrote a letter…
Seven members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to respect the will of Washington State voters as it pertains to marijuana. In the letter, led by Congressman Adam Smith…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith, Republican Congressman Chris Gibson, and Senator Mark Udall, who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee,…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act: "With women making up a growing share of the workforce and contributing to their family's income at nearly the same…
Today, Congressman Smith voted against the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which included an amendment offered by Steve King (R-IA) that would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funds from going to the continued…
Just days after Congressman Adam Smith reintroduced the Rural Economic Vitalization Act (REVA), the legislation has received broad support from several organizations and has been cosponsored by 8 members of Congress. Below are statements…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith, made the following statement in response to Ambassador Rice's appointment as National Security Adviser: "Susan Rice has the right combination of strategic vision and…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement today in celebration of LGBT Pride Month, which is celebrated during the month of June: "This year, we commemorate LGBT Pride Month at a critical time when lesbian, gay,…
Congressman Adam Smith has reintroduced legislation that would address the wasteful, environmentally damaging, and economically inefficient federal grazing policy on our public lands. H.R. 2201, the Rural Economic Vitalization Act, would…
Congressman Smith released the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day: "On Memorial Day, we honor the men, women, and families of the United States military who every day protect our nation. Whether it be emergency relief,…
Congress must take action soon to stop Stafford student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st. However, the legislation passed by the House of Representatives today is projected to more than double the current 3.4 percent interest…
The Air Force is expected to announce later today that Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) in Washington State was not selected as the preferred site for the first Main Operating Base for the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker. House Armed Services…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement regarding allegations against a service member who was as a sexual assault prevention and response coordinator at Fort Hood: "If…
Congressman Smith released the following statement after the airmen of the U.S. Air Force KC-135 that crashed in Kyrgyzstan were identified as being from Fairchild Air Force Base: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in recognition of Cinco de Mayo: "Today, families across our country celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day when a Mexican militia defeated a larger French military at the Battle of…
Today, Boeing announced that they will be extending their Pension Value Plan and BSS Retirement Plan to same-sex spouses and domestic partners as beneficiaries for pension survivor benefits. The expansion of pension beneficiaries are a…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement today in response to reports that the Assad regime used chemical weapons in Syria: "Based on the intelligence that we have, it appears…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement after the decision to charge Boston bombing suspect in civilian court: "I agree with President Obama's decision to charge the Boston bombing suspect…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after 5 people were killed in a Federal Way shooting: "I am stunned and saddened by the shooting that left 5 people dead in Federal Way. As details continue to emerge about the…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the House passed the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA): "There has been an increase in cyber attacks on government agencies, financial institutions, and…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the bipartisan group of senators introduced their immigration reform proposal: "Immigration reform is long overdue, and this bill is a first step toward comprehensively…
Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement recognizing National Minority Cancer Awareness Week: "Today marks the beginning of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week. It is critical that we use this week to bring attention to the…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on Equal Pay Day: "Equal Pay Day serves as a stark reminder of the discrimination that women face in the workplace. The Equal Pay Act was signed into law 50 years ago, yet a…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the Supreme Court cases reviewing Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act this week: "No couple should be denied the right to marry and…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the passage of the Republican budget: "Over the last 12 years, we have cut taxes to the tune of $7 trillion, while spending has significantly increased. This is a recipe…
TransportationBudget & taxesLaborHealth careEducation & libraries
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the passage of the Continuing Resolution today in the House of Representatives: "The Continuing Resolution that passed today is in no way perfect. I support the…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee made the following statement after the announcement that Japan will request membership in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations: "Japan's interest…
Today, the U.S. Air Force announced that the Air Mobility Command's (AMC) biennial Rodeo readiness competition has been cancelled this year because of budget shortfalls. The event would have been held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in July.…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement regarding the release of the Republican budget: "Instead of finding a balanced, comprehensive approach to dealing with our deficit right now, the Republican budget introduced…
TransportationBudget & taxesLaborHealth careEducation & libraries
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement following the crash of an Navy EA-6B Prowler in Eastern Washington: "My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who died…
Today, the House passed H.R. 933, a bill that represents a missed opportunity to avoid damaging cuts through sequestration. After voting against the bill, Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement: "While this bill does allow…
TransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryEducation & libraries
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), released the following statement in response to the implementation of sequestration: "Today marks the beginning of the implementation of across-the-board cuts…
On November 29, 2009, four police officers in Lakewood, Washington were tragically shot and killed as they prepared for the day ahead. Through later investigation, it was discovered that the perpetrator that murdered the policemen was a…
Today, as the implementation of sequestration grows closer, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith will introduce the Sequestration Relief Act of 2013. The bill is a responsible approach designed to eliminate…
HousingPublic safetyTransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries
Just one day after House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith's reintroduction of the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act (MSET), the legislation has received support from several organizations and 43 Members of Congress.…
Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith reintroduced H.R. 683, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2013, legislation that is designed to ensure equal benefits for all military spouses and equal standing for…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement regarding the economy in the President's State of the Union Address: "The most pressing challenges our country faces are creating jobs and charting a responsible path towards…
Budget & taxesLaborParks & environmentImmigration & ICEEducation & libraries
The Peace Corps announced that Seattle University ranks fifth nationally among small colleges and universities in terms of alumni currently serving as volunteers. Washington state also took the number one spot in all three categories of…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on the sentencing of Saeed Abedini: "I condemn the arrest of U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini in Iran and Iran's continued violation of the…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement to commemorate Black History Month: "As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the great achievements African-Americans both…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Commerce Department's estimate for the GDP in the fourth quarter of 2012: "It is deeply troubling that our GDP contracted in the…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) issued the following statement on the President's support of immigration reform and a bipartisan framework in Congress: "Addressing our immigration system in a comprehensive…
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after Denis McDonough was named White House Chief of Staff: "I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Denis McDonough for his…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after he opposed H.R. 325, the "No Budget, No Pay Act": "Rather than increasing the debt limit in a long-term way that would provide…
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: "Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by remembering Dr. King's commitment and tireless efforts to provide every American…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after President Obama announced his proposal to reduce gun violence: "America is facing an epidemic of gun violence. We need to find a…
Today, the Air Force announced that Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State is a final candidate to serve as a base for the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker. The base is a candidate for the first Main Operating Base, which will host…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the passage of the H.R. 8, the fiscal cliff agreement: "I voted against the fiscal cliff deal because it left too much uncertainty for government programs, lacked a realistic path…
HousingTransportationBudget & taxesDefense & militaryHealth careEducation & libraries