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Smith Statement on President Trump's Misguided Immigration Executive Order

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of immigration focused executive actions today:

January 25, 2017

“The immigration system in the United States is broken and needs to be reformed. Building unnecessary walls, attacking local law enforcement by threatening grant funding, demanding costly mass deportation, and damaging relationships with international partners is misguided and reprehensible. Instead, we must have a clear, humane and legal way for those who seek to come to our country to flee violence and instability, or seek new opportunities, to build a better life in the United States.

“I agree that a secure border is important for our national security. Contrary to the inflammatory rhetoric that President Trump chose to espouse during his campaign, our southern border is more secure today than it has been in decades. From 2006 to 2016, the United States drastically increased our border security budget, which has contributed to the fact that we have had zero net immigration from Mexico for the last three years. The United States has taken responsibility for our border security, and any claims that Mexico should or will pay for a wall is not only foolish but illustrates the President's disturbing ignorance when it comes to foreign affairs.

“I am dedicated to fixing our immigration system. A comprehensive solution must include immediate changes to our inhumane and costly private immigration detention facilities that lack proper safety oversight. Allowing immigrants to become productive members of our society will only strengthen our communities, our economy, and our country's future. I applaud our region’s local mayors and Governor Inslee for stating clearly that Washington state will remain a safe haven for those in search of safety. Our local leaders understand that maintaining safe communities and protecting the rights of recent immigrants are do not conflict with one another.
 
“In Congress, I have strongly advocated for deportation relief, reforms to our immigration detention policies, and for comprehensive immigration reform that provides justice and equity for all people, regardless of where they were born. I join my colleagues in saying unequivocally that Washington state should stand by our values and fight to keep families together.” 

Smith Statement on President Trump’s Reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to reinstate the Global Gag Rule. Also known as the Mexico City Policy, this rule was first introduced in 1984 at the U.N. International Conference on Population held in Mexico City, and is a global barrier to comprehensive women’s health care.

January 24, 2017

“In reinstating the Global Gag Rule as one of his first executive orders, President Donald Trump has undone years of progress. International family planning programs are very important for fostering manageable and healthy families around the world. By supporting international family planning efforts, we can help families around the world avoid extreme poverty, lack of access to health care, educational, and economic opportunities. Even without this step backwards, U.S. funds are already prohibited from being used to perform or promote abortion services abroad by the Helms Amendment to the 1973 U.S. Foreign Assistance Act. 

“I am deeply disappointed that only a day after the 44th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that upheld a woman’s right to choose, President Trump has shown a flagrant disregard for women’s health across the world by limiting free speech and access to family planning services.” 

Congressman Smith Recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Congressman Smith released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

January 16, 2017

“Today, I join in celebrating the life and the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. and honoring Dr. King’s dream of a nation where individuals are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

“While we have not yet achieved Dr. King’s full vision of equal rights and opportunities for every American, we have come a long way from when Dr. King spoke to our country from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. As we continue our work to build a better future for all Americans, we must remember Dr. King’s message of transformative racial and economic justice. Dr. King’s legacy inspires us each to do our individual part to create broad-based opportunities for all and battle inequality throughout our society.”

 

Congressman Smith Statement on H.Res. 11

Yesterday, Congressman Smith voted for H.Res.11, which objects to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2234 that passed unanimously, with the United States abstaining, on December 23, 2016.

January 6, 2017

“I voted in favor of H.Res. 11, although I have ongoing concerns about the resolution. At the end of the day, I fully support Israel. As one of our strongest allies, Israel has been under threat since its creation, and the multi-faceted relationship we share with the Israelis requires our steadfast support.

“My concerns stem from my deep apprehensions that are shared by many Israelis. Namely, that Israel’s expanded settlements have made a two-state solution much more difficult. At the same time, Palestinians have taken steps that have made it hard to achieve peace in the region. Continued violence against Israel is a serious obstacle to peace. The Palestinians refuse to engage in direct negotiations with Israel and opt to go to the United Nations, leading to a more one-sided approach. Many also refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist and their legitimate security concerns.

“Looking ahead, a very real issue is the number of Israelis - including at times, Prime Minister Netanyahu - who push Israel down a path that seems to make a two-state solution impossible. Without a legitimate Palestinian state, Israel will control the West Bank. If that were to happen, Israel would either allow Palestinians to vote, and cease to be a Jewish state; or they will not permit Palestinians to vote and would cease to be a democratic state. Neither of these outcomes will lead to peace. Both Palestinians and Israelis must recognize the imperative for a two-state solution. Without it, all we will get is the violence and instability the region has suffered for generations.” 

Congressman Smith Statement on President-Elect Trump’s Continued Alarming Conflicts of Interest

December 19, 2016

“Prior to the election of Donald Trump, Presidents have historically removed themselves from business dealings to avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest. President-elect Trump’s lack of concern for real or perceived conflicts of interest through the business he inherited is unprecedented and deeply troubling.  Following his election, Donald Trump said he would separate himself from his business. He has failed to do so. His decision has raised immediate ethical and legal issues that will only serve to distract from his responsibilities as the President of the United States.

“Our country deserves to know how the President-elect will handle his business conflicts. Unfortunately, because the President-elect has not released his taxes, as promised, we don’t fully know the extent to which his business dealings could impact his Presidency. By choosing to postpone a Press Conference originally planned for December 15th, the President-elect has shown he is unwilling to face very legitimate questions about how he will lead our country without the danger posed by conflicts of interest. 

“Before his inauguration, Trump must prove his commitment to transparency, and explain how he plans to completely separate himself from his business dealings. Trump has assured the American people that he will cut ties with his businesses because ‘the Presidency is a far more important task,’ and I plan to do everything that I can to hold him to that promise.” 

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