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Smith Statement on Congressional Letter to President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua Asking for Improved Conditions and Independent Investigation of Jason Puracal's Case

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Smith (WA-09) made the following statement regarding the letter sent to President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua asking for improved detainee conditions and an independent investigation of Jason Puracal's case:

“Jason Puracal, an American citizen, is being held in a Nicaraguan prison in deplorable conditions. He shares a cell with eight other men where there is no running water and a hole in the ground serves as a sink, shower, dishwashing area, and disturbingly, a toilet.

“After nearly 9 months of being detained and a drawn out trial, Mr. Puracal was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison. From information I’ve received from his lawyers, Mr. Puracal's conviction was based on a trial that was clearly flawed and conducted in what the State Department has referred to as a corrupt Nicaraguan judicial system. Tellingly, the California Innocence Project has adopted his case – they pick just ten each year – and conclude “there is strong evidence of factual innocence.”

“Given these circumstances, I am urging President Ortega to immediately provide Mr. Puracal improved detention conditions and I'm asking him to request his prosecutors conduct an independent review of Mr. Puracal’s case as it is currently on appeal. Based on the assessment we have received from Mr. Puracal’s legal team and independent international legal experts that have reviewed the case, there is a compelling need for a thorough and objective prosecutorial review of Mr. Puracal’s case to determine his innocence under Nicaraguan law.

"The manner in which Mr. Puracal's case has been handled is incredibly unsettling. My hope is that this letter and our efforts will lead to a thorough independent investigation and will ensure the conditions under which Mr. Puracal is currently being held are improved to come into full accordance with standards set by international law."

Smith Statement on the Reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank:

"I’m pleased my colleagues were able to reach an agreement to reauthorize and raise the lending limits for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im). Ex-Im provides critical financing to promote American exports and keeps them competitive within the global marketplace. Providing American manufacturers the resources they need to meet demand for U.S. exports is one of our top priorities for putting our economy back on track – nearly 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. Extending support to the Ex-Im Bank is critical to maintaining and creating jobs in Washington State and around the country. Ex-Im lending supports exporters in aerospace, clean technology, global health, wine, and other agricultural industries.

"Over the past three years, the Ex-Im Bank has provided more than $30 billion in disbursements to Washington State and more than $11 billion in capital to businesses in the 9th District. And, the majority of companies receiving loans were small businesses. These loans have supported more than $68 billion in export sales in our state and have helped our local businesses complete transactions, create and sustain jobs that are vital to the health of our local and national economies."

Congressman Smith Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month:

“This May, we celebrate the seventh annual Jewish American History Month and honor the vast contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country. Overcoming prejudice in search of the freedom to practice their faith, Jewish Americans have a history that encourages and inspires us all to work towards making the world a more just and equitable place.

"For more than 350 years, Jewish Americans have led innovation in academia, science, business, and public service that have advanced our society to new heights. This month, I hope we will all honor their achievements and pay tribute to their extraordinary legacy.”

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Congressman Smith Celebrates National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Hear a special message from Congressman Smith on celebrating National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Congressman Smith Celebrates National Military Appreciation Month

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Smith thanks the men and women of our military for their service to our country during National Military Appreciation Month.

Congressman Smith on C-SPAN's Washington Journal

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Watch Congressman Smith's interview on C-Span's Washington Journal where he discusses national security, defense spending and answers questions from viewers.

Smith Talks About Corporations as Citizens

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Each week, Congressman Adam Smith will answer your questions in Tacoma Weekly. To submit questions and read past responses, visit Tacoma Weekly online. Here is this week's question submitted by a reader for that ongoing effort:

QUESTION: "I am deeply concerned about the idea of corporations being people when it comes to the democratic process. It seems that ‘too big to fail’ corporations have the best of both worlds under the Citizens United v Federal Elections Commission decision. They can actively buy elections through largely unregulated campaign donations, but can claim ‘citizenship’ in other countries to avoid many taxes by shipping jobs or even just key leadership roles overseas. How do you see ‘corporations as citizens’ taking shape in the coming years?”

ADAM SMITH: I completely disagree with the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and I find it very harmful to our representative democracy. Nowhere does the Constitution say corporations should have the same rights as American citizens, and the court’s decision significantly changes a century of government efforts to regulate the power of corporations in campaign finance. The Citizens United decision overturned provisions of existing campaign finance law and allows corporations, unions and nonprofits to spend freely in federal elections. It also considerably altered the campaign finance debate by offering greater spending flexibility for a broader range of for-profit and nonprofit groups involved in the national political landscape.

Under the current privately-financed system, individuals and special interest groups that can afford to donate money to campaigns will have a disproportionate influence on elections and public policy as Members of Congress are pressured to spend a large amount of their time and energy on fundraising for their reelection rather than on their official duties. Within the next few years, this decision will weaken the ability for all citizens to equally participate in the political process.

Establishing a viable public funding system for congressional campaigns can improve our democratic system and would significantly prevent this from happening. A publicly-financed system that could compete with and ultimately replace, the private funding system would be a major step forward for our democracy. This is why I am a cosponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act, introduced by Representative John Larson which would create a voluntary system designed to leverage small donor contributions by providing a four to one federal match of contributions below $100 from residents of a candidate's state. Also, under this legislation, candidates may not accept contributions from political action committees.

I’m also a cosponsor of H. J. Res. 88, introduced by Representative James McGovern that proposes an amendment to the Constitution to clarify the authority of Congress and the states to regulate corporations, limited liability companies or other corporate. The amendment also emphasizes that “The words people, person, or citizen as used in this Constitution do not include corporations, limited liability companies or other corporate entities...”

Corporations should not have the same power as individuals to frame and shape our political discourse, but with this decision, the Supreme Court has allowed them that right. The Citizens United decision is not a true reflection of our democratic values where every individual is guaranteed equal weight in expressing their voice through financial support of candidates, nor does it accurately define the Constitutional rights that should only be reserved for citizens of and not corporations within the United States.

Secretary of the Navy Names Next-Generation Attack Submarine the USS Washington

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus announced today that in honor of the contributions and support Washington state has given the military, one of the next five Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Washington (SSN 787). The submarine will be the third ship to bear the state’s name.

The other four Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Illinois (SSN 786), USS Colorado (SSN 788), USS Indiana (SSN 786) and USS South Dakota (SSN 790). The five states have not had a ship named for them in 49 years or longer.

“This is an exceptional way to recognize the men and women in Washington state who serve our country and to acknowledge the communities surrounding the base that support them in various ways,” said Congressman Smith. “I appreciate that the Navy is honoring us in this way.”

“Each of these five states serve as home to military bases that support our national defense and provide men and women that volunteer to serve their country,” said Secretary Mabus. “I look forward to these submarines joining the fleet and representing these great states around the world.”

These next-generation attack submarines will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

For more information about the Virginia-class attack submarine, visit http://www.navy.mil/.

Congressman Smith Calls for Congressional Art Competition Submissions

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Two entries in the 2012 Congressional art contest.

Every year, Members of Congress are allowed to display one piece of artwork by a high school student from their district in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Congressman Adam Smith holds an annual judged art competition each year to select which art from the 9th Congressional District receives this honor.

All entries for the 2012 Congressional Art Competition should be submitted to Congressman Adam Smith's District Office, locating at 2209 Pacific Avenue, Ste. B, Tacoma, WA 98042. All artwork must be received by 5:00 pm on April 20, 2012.

In addition to submitting the artwork, students who apply must submit two copies of a completed release form. The guidelines and release form can be downloaded HERE.

In order to reduce out of pocket expenses for students, entries are not required to be framed, only matted. Each student is limited to one submission. Work must be original in concept. Copies of copyrighted work will not be accepted.

Entries for the 9th Congressional Art Contest will be on display at Tacoma Art Museum located at 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma through the 2nd week of May. Due to space limitations, it may not be possible to display all work.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the Art Exhibition and Reception on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Tacoma Art Museum. Tacoma Art Museum has graciously offered to waive admission for contest entrants, their families, their teachers, and sponsors. If you are interested in attending this reception, please RSVP by Wednesday, April 25, 2012 to Christine Choe at (253) 593-6600 or email: OfficeAssistantWA09@mail.house.gov.

Rep. Smith Discusses National Security, the Budget and Ending Indefinite Detention on The Impact

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Smith discusses national security, his efforts to eliminate indefinite detention in the U.S., criticisms of the fiscal year 2013 Congressional budget proposals and changes to the 9th district with Jessica Gao of "The Impact" on TVW. Watch the full interview below: