Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement in reaction to the death of former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Wash.):

"I am profoundly saddened by the death of former Congresswoman Dunn.

"Jennifer was a wonderful Member of Congress and it was my honor to serve with her in the House of Representatives. She was one of Washington's most distinguished public servants, a leader in our delegation who reached out to Republicans and Democrats alike. She will be missed.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report indicating the Iraqi government met only 3 of 18 benchmarks for adequate progress in Iraq:

"President Bush escalated our presence in Iraq under the premise that more troops would help stabilize Iraq and create ‘breathing space' for political progress. The GAO report indicates that the escalation has largely failed to achieve the President's stated goals.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement in response to the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales:

"Alberto Gonzales was not up for the job of U.S. Attorney General, and I am pleased he announced his resignation. I am disappointed the President did not act sooner to preserve the integrity of the Justice Department.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and a majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed an energy package on Saturday that will make our nation more secure, create new American jobs, reduce energy costs to consumers, and fight global warming.

"We face serious security and environmental challenges that are tied to our dependence on oil and on foreign oil in particular. These bills will help protect the environment, promote alternative energy sources grown right here in the United States, and help end our dependence on foreign oil supplies," Smith said.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement on Saturday regarding S. 1927, a bill that included changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act regarding warrantless wiretapping and other surveillance. Smith voted against the measure which would threaten Americans' Constitutional right to privacy. The bill passed by a vote of 227 to 183.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement regarding H.R. 1495, the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. The bill included a needed one-year extension of Section 214 authority, which allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accept and spend funds from non-federal public entities to expedite infrastructure improvement permit applications.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted with a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to ensure our troops have the time at home they need. The Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act was approved by a vote of 229-194.

"Our local military families are under an enormous strain due to the length and number of deployments being required of them. This bill will give them a chance to recover, reconnect, rest and train before they return to the battlefield," Smith said.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted for H.R. 2272, the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act (COMPETES) Act, part of the House Democrats' Innovation Agenda. The bill passed by a vote of 367 to 57.

Smith and his colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition were instrumental in crafting the Agenda in the 109th Congress.