Press Releases

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after his vote against the USA FREEDOM Act:

"I voted against the USA FREEDOM Act today because this legislation has too many loopholes that continue to allow unwarranted government access to internet communications and phone data of U.S. persons. Although I continue to believe it is critical that our intelligence community has the ability to obtain information needed to fight terrorism, collection of that information must not violate civil liberties. Unfortunately, this bill does not strike the right balance."

Washington D.C. - As the House considers the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2015 NDAA), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith will offer an amendment designed to provide an effective strategy to close the detention facility located at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO).

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith, will offer an amendment (text) to the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act designed to uphold our national values by promoting due process and bolstering civil protections while enhancing public safety and security.

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement after being appointed to the Select Committee on Benghazi:

"Today, I accepted Leader Pelosi's appointment to be on the Select Committee on Benghazi. The loss of four brave Americans was tragic, and we must do everything possible to prevent such attacks from happening again. On that point, there is no debate. What is not clear is why this committee needs to be formed in the first place. What are Republicans trying to achieve?

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after Governor Jay Inslee appointed Ron Sims to serve as the Chair of the Board of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith announced today that he will push an amendment to the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act to remove the restrictions on transferring individuals from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO) into the United States for trial or detention. Current law prohibits the United States from transferring detainees into the United States and from constructing or modifying facilities to house them for the purposes of detention or imprisonment, which prevents the President from closing the facility.

?Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing the life and legacy of Billy Frank, Jr:

"Our state lost a great leader today when Billy Frank Jr. passed away. Billy never stopped fighting for the rights of Washington State's native people and the health of our natural resources. His life and legacy of work will continue through the ages. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all of those who were touched by Billy Frank, Jr."