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Congressman Adam Smith’s Statement on Budget Agreement

December 10, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the budget agreement:

“It is critical that Congress  functions more effectively.  We have a tremendous amount of work to do to grow our economy, create jobs, get our deficit under control, and strengthen our middle class, but we cannot do so moving from one crisis to another. This deal is far from perfect, but it provides relief from sequestration for critical education, housing, and transportation programs. It is a step in the right direction to get Congress back on track and focused on what is important to the American people.  I thank Senator Patty Murray and Representative Paul Ryan for their hard work and willingness to compromise. This is only the beginning. Far more work remains to be done."



Congressman Smith’s Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela

December 5, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela:

“Today, the world lost one of its most cherished leaders. While Nelson Mandela, the man, is now gone, his legacy will endure. He will forever be a source of inspiration for those who struggle against racial oppression and injustice around the world. He was a pioneer for freedom and equality and had the bravery to love his opponents as much as his supporters.

“Mandela spent his entire life fighting against the shackles of oppression and after 27 years of imprisonment, he won freedom for his country and set a lasting example that the world will never forget. Mandela’s life shows how one man can truly change the world. May he rest in peace.”

Ranking Member Adam Smith on Deal with Iran

November 23, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement after a short-term deal to halt Iran nuclear ambitions was struck:

“The deal announced today is a positive step in the right direction and I applaud the Administration for making progress on this important national security issue.  It is vital that we prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon in a peaceful way.

“The initial step of the P5 + 1 deal announced today halts the Iranian nuclear program and will roll it back in key respects in exchange for temporary, targeted, and reversible relief. The deal also puts in place an improved inspection, monitoring, and verification regime. This preliminary step should serve as a bridge to a long-term deal. This interim agreement gives us the chance to make significant progress towards the goal we and our allies seek: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“While today’s announcement represents serious progress, far more work remains to be done.”

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Statement on Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines

November 13, 2013

Congressman Smith released the following statement encouraging support for all those affected by the Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda:

“I am very saddened by the destruction and the thousands who have lost their lives from the devastating super typhoon in the Philippines.  The United States has provided meaningful aid to the region still thousands remain in need of food and care. It's critical that we continue to coordinate with the Philippines and non-government organizations involved with the relief effort to provide assistance as quickly and effectively as possible.  Washington’s Ninth District is home to thousands of Filipino Americans who have loved ones afflicted by the typhoon and its aftermath. I will continue to do all that I can to help in recovery efforts.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this horrible tragedy and their families.”

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For more information on the typhoon visit links below:

Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Factsheet

USAID's website

See what the Department of Defense is doing to help

Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Map

Public Donation Information via USAID:

The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for disaster responses around the world can be found at www.interaction.org.

USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, and warehouse space); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region;  and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance. 

More information can be found at:
- The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or +1.202.821.1999.
- Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at www.reliefweb.int.

Smith Applauds Senate Passage of ENDA

November 7, 2013

Congressman Smith released the following statement on the Senate passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA):

“I am very happy to see the Senate pass EDNA.  Currently, it remains legal in 29 states to fire or refuse to hire based on sexual orientation, and 38 states based on gender identity.  This is wrong.  This legislation does not create special rights, as some claim.  ENDA simply adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the current list of federal employment protections that already ban discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability.

“The American public, several organizations, and many Members of Congress have widely embraced and endorsed ENDA's goal of nondiscrimination.  It is now House leadership’s turn to allow a vote on an all-inclusive ENDA that provides equality for all LGBT people.  As a cosponsor of ENDA, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues and my constituents in Washington State to push for LGBT equality in the workplace.”
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