Press Releases
August 29, 2011
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the verdict in the Jason Puracal trial in Nicaragua:
"Jason Puracal has been taken away from his wife and son for nearly nine months and put on trial for drug trafficking and money laundering.
"Unfortunately, last night, Jason was convicted of all counts against him in a flawed Nicaraguan justice system. I was hoping for a better outcome for Jason and his family.
"Jason Puracal has been taken away from his wife and son for nearly nine months and put on trial for drug trafficking and money laundering.
"Unfortunately, last night, Jason was convicted of all counts against him in a flawed Nicaraguan justice system. I was hoping for a better outcome for Jason and his family.
August 24, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, held a town hall Thursday evening in the Burien City Council Chambers to discuss the national budget and economic policy:
"I believe it is my job to listen to the people of the Ninth District and engage with them in open public forums. I will do my best to represent my constituents and do what I feel is best for the country," said Smith.
"I believe it is my job to listen to the people of the Ninth District and engage with them in open public forums. I will do my best to represent my constituents and do what I feel is best for the country," said Smith.
August 22, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement about the groundbreaking of the new Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, due to open in 2013:
"I am pleased to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for this promising institution. The Pacific Northwest is home to some of our country's premiere technology-driven companies. The Aviation High School will help ensure we also continue to lead in producing highly skilled workers who are equipped to succeed in a competitive global economy.
"I am pleased to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for this promising institution. The Pacific Northwest is home to some of our country's premiere technology-driven companies. The Aviation High School will help ensure we also continue to lead in producing highly skilled workers who are equipped to succeed in a competitive global economy.
August 7, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following remarks on the extension of the Federal Aviation Administration budget authorization until September 16:
"I am glad to see the gridlock in Washington D.C. will no longer be costing 4,000 federal employees and 70,000 construction workers their paychecks. However the situation is still in limbo and the outcome of the long-term budget negotiations could still harm workers and the economy.
"I am glad to see the gridlock in Washington D.C. will no longer be costing 4,000 federal employees and 70,000 construction workers their paychecks. However the situation is still in limbo and the outcome of the long-term budget negotiations could still harm workers and the economy.
August 5, 2011
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement today on the casualties in Afghanistan:
"Today was a difficult day for our nation, our Armed Services and especially for the families and loved ones of the brave service members who lost their lives.
"This terrible incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by our service men and women as well as their families. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with them. In the days and months ahead, I will continue to focus on ensuring that the mission is worthy of their sacrifice."
"Today was a difficult day for our nation, our Armed Services and especially for the families and loved ones of the brave service members who lost their lives.
"This terrible incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by our service men and women as well as their families. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with them. In the days and months ahead, I will continue to focus on ensuring that the mission is worthy of their sacrifice."
July 31, 2011
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today following his No vote on the Budget Control Act of 2011:
"I voted against the budget deal that passed the House tonight because it is a flawed piece of legislation that misses the chance to set the country on a balanced path toward fixing our long-term fiscal and economic problems.
"I voted against the budget deal that passed the House tonight because it is a flawed piece of legislation that misses the chance to set the country on a balanced path toward fixing our long-term fiscal and economic problems.
July 21, 2011
"I am pleased to see that this damaging, discriminatory policy has now come to an end and I applaud Secretary Panetta, all of our service chiefs and former Secretary Gates for following through on the President's pledge to allow all Americans to serve and protect our nation.
July 6, 2011
House Armed Services Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the Administration's decision to send condolence letters to family members of soldiers who commit suicide:
"The Administration's decision to send letters of condolence to the family members of soldiers who commit suicide is a welcome change in policy.
"The Administration's decision to send letters of condolence to the family members of soldiers who commit suicide is a welcome change in policy.
June 22, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the arrest of two suspects on terrorism and firearms related charges late Wednesday in Seattle:
June 20, 2011
The United States Military relies heavily on fossil fuels to operate and execute its missions, creating a vulnerability that our enemies are keenly aware of. In fact, Osama Bin Laden once said, "[Oil] is the umbilical cord and lifeline of the crusader community' Focus your operations on oil, especially in Iraq and the Gulf area, since this will cause them to die off." While crudely stated, the comment reveals an undeniable threat to our national security.