Press Releases
It is time to address our immigration system in a comprehensive way, and the Senate passage of their immigration reform bill is a huge step forward. The legislation represents a bipartisan commitment to attract skilled workers, innovative minds, and dedicated individuals that will help create jobs, grow the American economy, and enrich the country with new perspectives and cultural diversity.
Today, the Supreme Court ruled on two cases dealing with same-sex marriage. In the case of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Court ruled the law unconstitutional, citing the Fifth Amendment, and enabling the federal government to recognize same-sex marriage. The Court also decided that those trying to reinstate Proposition 8 had no standing, effectively restoring marriage equality in California. Congressman Smith released the following statement after the decisions:
At the urging of U.S. Representatives Adam Smith, Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer, the U.S. Army has approved funds to construct a National Guard Readiness Center to replace the old Tacoma Armory. The three Members of Congress wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Army earlier this year highlighting the need for a replacement.
Seven members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to respect the will of Washington State voters as it pertains to marijuana. In the letter, led by Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Denny Heck (D-WA-10), Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), and Jim McDermott (D-WA-07) asked that DOJ provide clarity and certainty for their constituents and work with state regulators to protect the rights of those obeying state law.