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December 26, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the suicide bombing that killed Benazir Bhutto and dozens of others at a rally in Pakistan. Smith chairs the terrorism subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee and is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee:


December 18, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced H. Res. 911 in the House of Representatives calling for an increased commitment in Afghanistan to stem rising violence and confront resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists. The bill - cosponsored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) - makes it clear that such an increase cannot occur until we reduce our troop presence in Iraq.


December 18, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after voting against legislation to provide $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with no constraints on the President's policies. Smith voted earlier this week for legislation to provide $31 billion for Afghanistan operations. Smith also introduced a resolution today calling for an increased commitment in Afghanistan:


December 18, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations measure:

"This legislation is far from perfect, but it reflects our best efforts to fund the priorities of the American people. I am encouraged that Congress was able to reverse some of the President's proposed cuts to key programs. I was also able to help secure funding for key South Sound initiatives in this legislation," Smith said.


December 16, 2007
Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, on December 2 and 3, a severe winter storm swept across Oregon and Washington State. Countless first responders came to the aid of those in need and worked tirelessly to restore order in the aftermath of the storm. I strongly support H. Res. 851 in recognition of the dedication, service, and courage shown by these men and women.


December 11, 2007
Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by echoing the comments of my colleague from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) and also thanking him for his outstanding leadership on our subcommittee. It's been great to work in a bipartisan fashion with Mr. Thornberry; with Mr. Saxton, the former chairman; and the other members of the committee. And I will not repeat all that Mr. Thornberry just said because I agree with it completely.


December 11, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted to support our troops in harm's way and their families at home by supporting H.R. 1585, the fiscal year 2008 Defense Authorization Conference Report. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 370 to 49.

"Our troops and their families continue to shoulder enormous burdens on our behalf. I was proud today to vote for legislation that recognizes the sacrifices they make for our country. This bill will also help repair our military readiness and reequip our National Guard," Smith said.


December 10, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after a House Armed Services Committee hearing on security and stability in Afghanistan. The hearing included as witnesses Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

"It is clear following the responses of Secretary Gates and others that our efforts in Afghanistan suffer due to the depth of our commitment in Iraq.


December 5, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted for forward-thinking energy legislation that would change the direction of American energy policy and protect the environment. The bill changes federal incentives from reliance on fossil fuels to greater use of renewable energy sources. Smith supported the Energy Independence and Security Act, which passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 235 - 181.


November 27, 2007

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the Defense Department's (DoD) misguided bonus pay policy. DoD rules preclude the payment of scheduled bonuses to troops who do not finish their tours of duty due to combat-related injury. Smith cosponsored H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007, which would end this unfair policy. Smith also signed a letter to the President decrying DoD's misguided rules regarding bonus pay.