Press Releases
Yesterday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a commitment of $1 billion to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi). This money will help Gavi immunize 300 million children and save an estimated 5 million lives through 2020. The $1 billion commitment is subject to Congressional approval. Congressman Smith released the following statement supporting USAID's announcement:
Washington, D.C. - On the 42nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, House Republicans had planned on advancing extreme legislation that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks with the only exception being to protect the life of the mother. Due to strong opposition by Democrats and some Republicans, they instead introduced a bill that would disproportionately restrict low-income women's access to abortions and family planning services. Congressman Smith released the following statement opposing the legislation:
Today marks the 5th year anniversary of Citizens United, a Supreme Court decision that allows corporations to spend freely in federal elections. This decision was a significant change from years of government efforts to regulate the power of corporations in campaign finance. Congressman Smith (D-WA) joined many colleagues in the House of Representatives today to introduce the Democracy for All Amendment. This would amend the U.S. Constitution to grant states' and Congress the authority to strip the ability for corporations to spend unlimited resources in elections.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the President's State of the Union speech:
Congressman Smith released the following statement in response to reports of possible Senate legislation that would weaken the Jones Act next week:
"The Jones Act is an important law that promotes a robust domestic maritime industry that helps to ensure our national security, while also providing for 500,000 U.S. jobs and producing over $100 billion dollars in economic output. Any attempt to repeal or weaken this law would be harmful to our national security and our economy."
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing House Republicans attempt to strip protections for DREAMers and the President's executive action:
Yesterday, Rogelia Ortega, Governor of the Mexico State of Guerrero requested prosecutors drop the charges against Nestora Salgado. Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group in her hometown of Olinal' in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in support of President Obama's proposal to cover two years of tuition for students at community colleges:
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing Keystone XL legislation:
"I opposed the Keystone XL pipeline because I believe it is the wrong direction for our energy policy. Our nation must face the reality of global climate change and take steps to reduce carbon emissions. Rather than focusing on Keystone XL, we should be working on bigger picture investments in clean energy and energy efficient technologies that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that hurt our environment."