"Today I voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill provides for $1.067 trillion of discretionary spending, following the two-year budget agreement signed into law in October 2015, as well as $73.693 billion in…
"I voted against the tax extender bill considered in the House today because it is inequitable and leaves our nation's finances worse off. The $622 billion tax package extends many tax breaks while ignoring the reality that we simply do…
Our nation's diversity is our greatest strength. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn Donald Trump's recent proposal to bar all Muslims from entering the United States. This rhetoric follows earlier absurd statements from Mr. Trump…
"I applaud Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for taking action on policy guidelines that close certain combat occupations to women. As a result of these changes, anyone, regardless of gender, who can meet operationally relevant standards,…
I am pleased that the House passed a bipartisan reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that replaces the flawed policies of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I voted for S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act of…
A well-functioning and efficient surface transportation network is critical for future economic growth. Investment in our nation's infrastructure and public transit provides jobs for thousands, allows for the efficient movement of goods…
"Today, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. Taking into account the terms of the Congressional Budget Agreement passed by the House on October 28th, this version of the National…
Today I join our nation and the world in mourning those who lost their lives in Friday's terror attacks in Mali. During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those killed and injured. I extend my…
Washington State Leaders: Reject Fear & Panic Surrounding Refugee Resettlement "The senseless violence that has recently occurred in Paris and Beirut has understandably made people fearful and afraid. But we as a community cannot let the…
Our number one priority is protecting the United States and the American people from terrorist attacks. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn the cowardly attacks in Paris and send my deepest sympathies to the victims. As we fight…
There is an epidemic of homelessness in our community. This crisis is having a terrible impact on our region and combatting it is critical to addressing inequities in our society. Earlier this month, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and King County…
"My thoughts are with the people of France after tonight's brutal terrorist attacks. While the extent of the attacks is still unknown, these horrific acts of terror highlight the continued challenge we face in the fight against terrorist…
"On Veterans Day, we honor the brave and heroic service of all of our veterans. The men and women of our Armed Services risk their lives around the world every day to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. In return, it is critical that we…
"Today, House Democrats and Republicans agreed on a revised National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. This bill provides the Department of Defense with a stable and predictable budget with which to plan for the next two…
"The American criminal justice system is fundamentally broken. "As a nation, we incarcerate more of our own citizens than any other country in the world - often times for non-violent drug offenses. Past reforms meant to keep our…
"Today, I am honored to announce that I have joined the Democratic Whip's Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This Task Force examines inequities in our society and looks at…
"Republicans have finally engaged in constructive conversations that have produced a two year bipartisan budget deal. This agreement, reached by House and Senate leaders, would increase funding equally for defense and non-defense…
TransportationBudget & taxesImmigration & ICEDefense & militaryHealth care
"The reasons to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank's charter grow each day. In 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported 2,400 jobs and $28,586,427 in exports to minority and women owned businesses in the 9th Congressional District of Washington…
"Last week, despite multiple hunger strikes, public protests over conditions, and lack of transparency in contract negotiations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a new contract with the GEO Group to operate the Northwest…
Congressman Adam Smith joined Representatives Deutch, Foster, Watson Coleman, Castro and Polis in offering an amendment to remove the detention bed quota from the short-term Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2016. "The detention bed…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: "Our country was forever changed 14 years ago when terrorists attacked innocent Americans on September 11th, 2001. The…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement in support of the Administration's deal on Iran's nuclear program: The Administration, our closest allies, and the other members of the U.N. Security…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the two year anniversary of Nestora Salgado's arrest: "For two years, Nestora has been denied due process and justice by the Mexican government. It is entirely unacceptable that…
Congressman Adam Smith reintroduced the Rural Economic Vitalization Act (REVA), a bill that would address the wasteful, environmentally damaging, and economically inefficient federal grazing policy on our public lands. This legislation…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act: "Having free and fair elections is essential for our democracy, and for 50 years now, the Voting Rights Act has played a…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the President and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Clean Power Plan: "Pollution from power plants is the single largest source of carbon pollution in the…
In the Social Security Commission's annual report released last week, the Commission warned of major shortfalls in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) that will result in a 19 percent reduction in benefits for 11 million disabled…
Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement after hearing about the death of Donnie Chin: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Donnie Chin. As the director of the International District Emergency Center, Donnie helped…
On June 25, 2015, Congressman Dave Reichert and Congressman Adam Smith reintroduced legislation that would establish the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. This designation would help to preserve our region's scenic…
On Monday, the Boy Scouts of America announced that their executive committee approved a resolution that would end the organization's ban on gay leaders. This comes well over a year after Troop 98 of Seattle's Rainier Beach United…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following comments after the Administration announced it has reached a deal on Iran's nuclear program: I applaud the Administration for all of its hard work. From the harsh…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement in response to press reports that the Department of Defense will establish a working group on transgender service: I applaud Secretary Carter's decision…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the President's proposal to increase the overtime threshold from $23,660 to $50,440: "I applaud the President for taking action to extend overtime pay protections. This proposal…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement after the extension of Iran nuclear negotiations: "Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is a vitally important national security priority in…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in support of Trade Adjustment Assistance: "I voted in support of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) today because it allows workers in my district and across the country to access…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement regarding the King v. Burwell Supreme Court Decision: "The decision issued by the Supreme Court of the United States today ensures that American workers and middle class families,…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges: "Today's decision by the Supreme Court is a victory for justice and equality. Ensuring marriage equality for all Americans…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security's revised plan to limit family detention: "The Department of Homeland Security's revised plan for family detention again fails to address…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in support of Trade Adjustment Assistance: "The global economy, technological advancements, and increasing competition will continue to pressure workers and it is essential and only…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement opposing Trade Promotion Authority: "Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), as they are currently being discussed, do not do enough to protect…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement opposing the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations bill: "Investments in our nation's transportation network and infrastructure provide for thousands…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing the life of Bob Dickerson: "I was deeply saddened to learn that Bob Dickerson passed away. Bob was eternally optimistic and inspired everyone that he met, including me. He…
Washington, D.C.: Congressman Adam Smith and Senator Patty Murray released the following statement upon hearing that Nestora Salgado was on a hunger strike: "It is unacceptable for the Mexican government to continue to imprison Nestora…
Congressman Smith released the following statement in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) announced action on family detention centers: "ICE's announced action to improve oversight and conditions at family…
Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Adam Smith reintroduced the Accountability in Immigration Detention Act, legislation that would create enforceable standards and improve conditions at immigration detention centers while encouraging…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement announcing his opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act: Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the Budget Control Act caps are…
Today, Congressman Smith became a cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act introduced by Senator Patty Murray and Ed & Workforce Chairman Bobby Scott. This legislation would raise the minimum wage nationwide to $12.00 per hour by 2020.…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the earthquake in Nepal: "My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic earthquake in Nepal. My deepest condolences go out to the…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the confirmation of Loretta Lynch: "I am glad to see the Senate finally confirm Loretta Lynch as our next Attorney General. Ms. Lynch, who is the first African American woman…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on Earth Day: "Protecting our planet is one of our greatest challenges. Climate change continues to result in unpredictable and extreme temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme…
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing Equal Pay Day: "The Equal Pay Act was signed into law over 50 years ago, yet women still are paid less than men across all levels of education and occupation. The pay…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on the Senate HELP Committee marking up the Elementary and Secondary Education Act this week: "I thank Senators Patty Murray and Lamar Alexander for working together to offer a…
Earlier this week, Sound Transit and the City of Bellevue announced a proposed agreement to move forward with construction on East Link light rail line. Congressman Smith released the following statement on the agreement: "I applaud Sound…
Today, 181 Members of Congress filed an Amicus Brief in support of the Obama Administration's appeal of a Texas judge's ruling that temporarily blocks the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parents and Americans and Lawful Permanent…
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement after a framework to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was announced: For decades, Iran advanced towards a nuclear weapon. In the face of…
Washington, D.C. - Last week, Congressman Adam Smith wrote the House Appropriations Committee a letter expressing strong support for the President's request of $87.7 million in Economic Support Funds to promote stability and economic…
THE Northwest Detention Center is a large, privately operated detention facility in the Tacoma Tideflats that has been in the news a lot this past year. Despite multiple hunger strikes, public protests and the introduction of federal…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposals: "With increasing income inequality, decreasing wages, and a shrinking middle class, we need a…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on remittances to Somalia: "It's now been over a month since Merchants Bank closed their accounts with Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) leaving Somali Americans in the 9th…
U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI) and Adam Smith (D-WA) and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced legislation to extend through 2020 the Trade Adjustment Assistance program - which expires at the end of 2015 - and renew a vital…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding: "House Republicans are yet again manufacturing a crisis to force their extreme agenda upon the American people. In December,…
U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI) and Adam Smith (D-WA) and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced legislation to extend through 2020 the Trade Adjustment Assistance program - which expires at the end of 2015 - and renew a vital…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the ILWU and PMA came to an agreement: "I am pleased that the ILWU and PMA came together to reach an agreement. I look forward to learning more about the details when…
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) reintroduced legislation to fix unfair Medicare reimbursement rates that disproportionately hurt Washington State patients. Currently, many physicians who serve Medicare patients in Washington State are…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after President Obama's speech: "I applaud President Obama for his remarks about Muslim Americans in his speech about countering violent extremists. The President is right- we…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement regarding a Texas U.S. District Court's injunction on the President's executive action on immigration reform: "I am disappointed in the decision to temporarily delay the…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement: "I was disgusted to learn about the vandalization of the school and Hindu temple in Bothell. These acts are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. From civic leaders to…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on Republican's refusal to pass a Department of Homeland Security funding bill: "Republicans continue to lose the immigration policy discussion and have now decided to hold…
Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) joined colleagues in sending a letter to the Administration requesting an urgent meeting to develop an emergency plan to discuss Somali remittances. Merchants Bank of California is the largest financial…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2016 budget request: "Today, the President released a budget that prioritizes hard-working families who have not shared in or…
Yesterday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a commitment of $1 billion to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi). This money will help Gavi immunize 300 million children and save an…
Washington, D.C. - On the 42nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, House Republicans had planned on advancing extreme legislation that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks with the only exception being to protect the life of the…
Today marks the 5th year anniversary of Citizens United, a Supreme Court decision that allows corporations to spend freely in federal elections. This decision was a significant change from years of government efforts to regulate the power…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the President's State of the Union speech: "Tonight, the President laid out a forward-looking plan to improve our economy by investing in the middle class and the…
Budget & taxesLaborParks & environmentImmigration & ICEHealth careTech & privacy
Congressman Smith released the following statement in response to reports of possible Senate legislation that would weaken the Jones Act next week: "The Jones Act is an important law that promotes a robust domestic maritime industry that…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "There was no fiercer advocate for equality than Martin Luther King Jr. Despite daunting challenges, he never stopped fighting…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing House Republicans attempt to strip protections for DREAMers and the President's executive action: "In their latest attempt to deport DREAMers, rip families…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing Keystone XL legislation: "I opposed the Keystone XL pipeline because I believe it is the wrong direction for our energy policy. Our nation must face the reality…
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in support of President Obama's proposal to cover two years of tuition for students at community colleges: "I am very happy to see the President take action to make higher…
Yesterday, Rogelia Ortega, Governor of the Mexico State of Guerrero requested prosecutors drop the charges against Nestora Salgado. Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group in…