Press Releases

"This week the House of Representatives passed a much needed reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a bill that will assist local governments in improving their infrastructure. The legislation provides the Army Corps of Engineers with the authority to study water resource issues, construct projects, and modify existing water development projects.

"I extend our deepest sympathies to the people of the State of Israel on the passing of former President Shimon Peres, a visionary leader who dedicated himself to Israel and the cause of peace.

"With so many conflicts around the globe, we can best honor President Peres by striving to pursue his vision for a more just, stable, and peaceful world. May his memory be a blessing to his family, the people of the State of Israel, and people from all countries."

"The movement of freight is critical for the strength of our economy," said Congressman Smith. "Investment in our freight transportation infrastructure provides tangible benefits by improving our capacity to move goods and support job creation."

"Today, I voted in support of H.R. 5963, the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act of 2016. Led by Rep. Carlos Curbelo and Ranking Member Bobby Scott of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, this legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) to help state and local leaders better educate and rehabilitate at-risk youth and juvenile offenders. These long-overdue reforms provide direction and support for necessary juvenile justice system improvements.

"Our veterans have served this nation bravely and heroically. We owe these men and women an enormous debt of gratitude and respect. On August 31st, my office had the honor of hosting our first Veterans History Project (VHP) event at the Nisei Veterans Center in Seattle. The VHP's mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations may hear directly from former servicemembers and better understand their unique stories, and selfless sacrifice.

"Each Labor Day, we celebrate the contributions of the men and women of the American labor movement. This annual tribute to the achievements of America's workers recognizes the impact of labor unions on the creation and sustainability of a strong middle class. As the son of a ramp serviceman at SeaTac Airport, I have seen firsthand the importance of investing in the American worker to ensure that all members of our society are given the opportunity to work toward achieving the American Dream.

"I am encouraged that Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson has called for a review of current policies concerning the use of privately run detention centers. I believe they will find that these prisons are not the best our government can provide to ensure everyone's rights are protected.

"At the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, I have witnessed firsthand the exploitative living conditions these detainees face and have advocated for immediate changes to our immigration detention operations.

"I applaud the Justice Department's decision to end its use of private prisons. The recent Justice Department Inspector General findings highlights the safety and efficiency problems common in private contract facilities, and gave the Justice Department the information they needed to meaningfully reevaluate their longstanding use of private prisons. While the changes in our justice system will not take place overnight, this is a positive step forward.