News

Congress must take action soon to stop Stafford student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st. However, the legislation passed by the House of Representatives today is projected to more than double the current 3.4 percent interest rates. The Republican bill would link federal student loan interest rates to the variable rate changes of a 10 year Treasury note, a baseline for general interest rates, which the Congressional Budget Office projects will increase and in effect raise student interest rates to 7.4% by 2017.

The Air Force is expected to announce later today that Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) in Washington State was not selected as the preferred site for the first Main Operating Base for the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement regarding the expected announcement:

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement regarding allegations against a service member who was as a sexual assault prevention and response coordinator at Fort Hood:

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in recognition of Cinco de Mayo:

Congressman Smith released the following statement after the airmen of the U.S. Air Force KC-135 that crashed in Kyrgyzstan were identified as being from Fairchild Air Force Base:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the Airmen who died in this tragic accident in Kyrgyzstan. Details about the crash are still unclear. Our servicemen and women risk their lives for our nation while training at home and serving abroad. The service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in this accident will not be forgotten."