Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today issued the following statement regarding President Bush's budget request for fiscal year 2008:

"The President's budget request again hides the true cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the budget contains war costs for the coming year, it discontinues funding in 2009. The President has said ending the war in Iraq is a decision he'll leave to another President, and he is increasing troop levels in Baghdad. It is clear he believes his strategy will keep us in Iraq well beyond 2009. President Bush is not being honest with the numbers.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today voted for House Joint Resolution 20, a continuing resolution to provide funds for the federal government for fiscal year 2007. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 286 to 140. Smith issued the following statement:

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) today voted to make college more affordable by halving the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates over the next five years. When fully phased in, the bill cuts the interest rate from 6.8% to 3.4%. The measure cuts the interest rate in half in five steps: from 6.8% to 6.12% in 2007; 5.44% in 2008; 4.76% in 2009; 4.08% in 2010; and 3.4% in 2011.

The House passed the bill this afternoon by a vote of 356 to 71.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today announced he was chosen by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) to serve on the Whip Team for the 110th Congress. In this leadership role, Smith will help Clyburn gather support for the Democratic agenda.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today issued the following statement on H.R. 3, a bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The bill passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 253 to 174.

"More than 70 percent of Americans support stem cell research. House Democrats promised to expand funding for this potentially life-saving and life-changing science. I'm pleased to report that in the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress, we made good on our promise.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today announced he will chair the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee. Smith also secured a seat on the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee when committee members chose their assignments today. Smith's seniority allowed him early picks from among the available positions.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) yesterday voted in favor of H.R. 1, legislation to implement many of the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations. Smith was pleased that House Democrats acted so quickly during their new majority in Congress to make Americans safer. The bill passed by a vote of 299 to 128.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) today stated his opposition to a troop surge in Iraq. Smith met with President Bush and senior administration officials yesterday to learn more about the President's proposal.

"After the meeting I considered the President's argument and reviewed the available information, including the Iraq Study Group Report. In the end, even though I gave the President's argument due consideration, I don't find it persuasive. A troop surge is not the answer in Iraq," Smith said.