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August 7, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following remarks on the extension of the Federal Aviation Administration budget authorization until September 16:

"I am glad to see the gridlock in Washington D.C. will no longer be costing 4,000 federal employees and 70,000 construction workers their paychecks. However the situation is still in limbo and the outcome of the long-term budget negotiations could still harm workers and the economy.

August 5, 2011
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement today on the casualties in Afghanistan:

"Today was a difficult day for our nation, our Armed Services and especially for the families and loved ones of the brave service members who lost their lives.

"This terrible incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by our service men and women as well as their families. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with them. In the days and months ahead, I will continue to focus on ensuring that the mission is worthy of their sacrifice."

July 31, 2011
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today following his No vote on the Budget Control Act of 2011:

"I voted against the budget deal that passed the House tonight because it is a flawed piece of legislation that misses the chance to set the country on a balanced path toward fixing our long-term fiscal and economic problems.

July 21, 2011
"I am pleased to see that this damaging, discriminatory policy has now come to an end and I applaud Secretary Panetta, all of our service chiefs and former Secretary Gates for following through on the President's pledge to allow all Americans to serve and protect our nation.

July 6, 2011
House Armed Services Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the Administration's decision to send condolence letters to family members of soldiers who commit suicide:

"The Administration's decision to send letters of condolence to the family members of soldiers who commit suicide is a welcome change in policy.

June 22, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the arrest of two suspects on terrorism and firearms related charges late Wednesday in Seattle:

June 20, 2011

The United States Military relies heavily on fossil fuels to operate and execute its missions, creating a vulnerability that our enemies are keenly aware of. In fact, Osama Bin Laden once said, "[Oil] is the umbilical cord and lifeline of the crusader community' Focus your operations on oil, especially in Iraq and the Gulf area, since this will cause them to die off." While crudely stated, the comment reveals an undeniable threat to our national security.


June 14, 2011
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced legislation to address national Medicare reimbursement inequities that unfairly shortchange Washington State. The MediFair Act of 2011 would level the playing field for patients by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates in regions with payments lower than the national average and decreasing rates in regions that are inefficient and with payments higher than the national average.

May 31, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the news that President Obama will award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, for action while serving with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment:


May 29, 2011
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on Memorial Day, 2011: