Press Releases
"Over the last 12 years, we have cut taxes to the tune of $7 trillion, while spending has significantly increased. This is a recipe for huge deficits and debt. We need to get our deficit under control, but we must also be mindful of our economy now. Deep budget cuts passed today by House Republicans would be too great of a blow to our economy and would hurt millions of working class Americans, families, and seniors.
"Instead of finding a balanced, comprehensive approach to dealing with our deficit right now, the Republican budget introduced today radically reforms Medicare by cutting benefits and turning the system into a voucher program, slashes investments in education and worker training programs for working class families, and fails to raise a penny of revenue. It is intolerable to make these severe cuts without raising any revenues.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who died in today's tragic accident. Our servicemen and women take the ultimate risk while training at home and serving abroad. Nothing can replace the service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives today."
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 through sequestration. This is a disappointing development that should have been avoided. As I have said for months, this is not how we should govern or address our deficit issues.
Today, as the implementation of sequestration grows closer, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith will introduce the Sequestration Relief Act of 2013.
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 convicted felon on parole, and that information was not effectively transmitted to the necessary authorities.
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.