Blog Post

Alicia is a Seattle area mother of four. It's an already challenging role, notwithstanding the fact that the youngest of her children suffers from muscular dystrophy. Last year, she faced a crisis. Alicia was sick – very sick – and her family quickly found themselves struggling. Eventually, she had to be hospitalized.

Climate change is a serious national security threat facing our country, and we are already seeing its effects in Washington. Our reliance as a nation on fossil fuels and other traditional sources of energy is unsustainable and is a serious vulnerability in our nation's defense. The Department of Defense (DoD) has been an innovator in pursuing clean and alternative energy sources as well as planning for and mitigating against the impact of climate change.

America must lead on refugees. It is in our national security interest and central to our founding, character, and reputation. Syrian and Iraqi families fleeing brutal civil war and sectarian violence want a better life. Like refugees before them, they see the United States and the American people as their hope to be free from repression, persecution, and death. They see us this way because we have an admirable history of welcoming refugees. If we turn away refugees, we place ourselves at greater risk and abandon our core principles.

Disturbing statements from Republicans running for the White House demand our close attention. They complain that President Obama is not doing enough militarily in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan Libya, and in dealing with the threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

FEDERAL VETERANS AFFAIRS CASEWORK

Navigating the VA and DoD system can be a daunting process, and my staff and I are here to assist by connecting you with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who can help you through the process and make sure your applications and filings have been received. My staff has been successful in assisting many veterans who had issues with VA/DoD benefits. We encourage veterans to call our office if they need assistance. Here are a few examples of how my office has been able to help constituents with casework recently:

Click HERE for the full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

I am very happy to have returned to Washington, D.C. after time away during my recovery from a second hip surgery this spring. I am pleased to share that my condition continues to progress and I am now able travel to DC and attend more events in the 9th District.

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith offered an amendment during markup of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) designed to allow DREAMers an opportunity to serve in the military and earn permanent legal status. While the amendment was withdrawn on procedural grounds, Smith pledged to continue to push the legislation as the NDAA process continues.

This week the President announced that the administration would be delaying the release of their review on deportation policy due to concerns that it would interfere with immigration reform in the House. CongressmanSmith released the following statement after the announcement: