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Smith Applauds Funding for Federal Way Police Department

September 29, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) praised today’s announcement that the Federal Way Police Department will receive $1,036,292 from the Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to preserve four law enforcement jobs. 

 “This funding is crucial to ensuring that Federal Way remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “In the current economic environment, cities and towns across the country face difficult choices when it comes to public safety funding. Today’s announcement will help relieve some of that pressure and allow Federal Way to continue to focus on its public safety priorities.”

The grant, which is the largest awarded in Washington State, is part of a $298 million announcement made by the Department of Justice COPS Office, COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The grants are designed to create and/or preserve law enforcement jobs. The grants were made to 379 different local law enforcement agencies in 51 states and territories.

CHP provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide.  CHP grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort and to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. 

CHP also provides 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years (36 months) for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (including filling existing unfunded vacancies) or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts. Any additional costs above the approved entry-level salaries and fringe benefits are the responsibility of the grantee agency.

“A safe community is a strong community and ensuring that our local law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need will continue to be a top priority of mine in Congress,” continued Smith. 

Statement on Interim WTO Ruling on Europe’s Claim Against the United States

September 15, 2010

“From reports today on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) interim ruling I believe it is clear that Europe vastly exaggerated their claims against Boeing.  While the interim ruling found that American policies caused some harm to Airbus, their impact was significantly less than the harm caused to Boeing by Europe’s market distorting illegal subsidies, or “launch aid.” 

 "Earlier this year, the WTO found that illegal subsidies to Airbus distorted the industry, shifting market share toward Europe and away from the U.S., impacting thousands of American aerospace jobs. 

 "Going forward, I will be carefully reviewing the details of the WTO’s final ruling when it is released and will continue working with the United States Trade Representative in an effort to restore market balance for our aerospace workers."

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Congressman Smith’s Statement on Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attack

September 10, 2010

Washington, Sep 10, 2010 - Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement honoring the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks:

Nine years ago, the morning of September 11, 2001 was interrupted by senseless acts of terrorism that took the lives of thousands of Americans in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. As we remember this sad day in our nation’s history, our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of those who lost their lives.

While this anniversary marks a solemn occasion in our history, it is also a time to honor the first responders who lost their lives that day while attempting to save others, and our military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms and security that each of us enjoy as Americans. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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Statement on Stryker Brigade Returning Home

August 19, 2010

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in tribute to the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which was officially designated the last combat brigade to leave Iraq under Obama's plan to end combat operations in Iraq by Aug. 31.

“The troops stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have born the brunt of the conflict in Iraq – they have been there since day one, and are now the last combat forces to leave. Many of them have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. These soldiers have sacrificed greatly, and I salute their service. They deserve our utmost respect and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the veterans of this conflict receive the benefits and support they deserve.

“While our role in Iraq is not yet finished, our combat operations are. Many of our nation’s finest men and women are no longer in harm's way and they should be commended for a job well done. The Iraqi people face difficult times ahead, but they have the promise of a brighter future - a future void of tyranny. A brighter future for Iraqis also means greater security for America. The military personnel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord played a vital role in our efforts in Iraq and we can all be proud of their service.”

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Smith’s Statement on Interim Measures to Fix Howard Hanson Dam

July 30, 2010

“Today marks an important milestone in our efforts to protect the Green River Valley from flooding. This afternoon, the Army Corps of Engineers laid out the details for interim repairs that will strengthen the Howard Hanson Dam. Yesterday, the President signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which provides the Army Corps of Engineers with $44 million to complete these interim measures. These two events are the culmination of many months of hard work by my office, as well as the entire local delegation and stakeholders from across the state, and will protect the Green River Valley from potentially very destructive floods.

“The interim measures will buy us vital time and protect the Green River Valley as we work to put in place a permanent, long-term solution. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of people are at risk if flooding was to occur and the interim measures announced today provide the residents of the Green River Valley the protection and assurance they deserve.

“I worked tirelessly with other members of the local delegation and stakeholders to secure this funding. I applaud everyone involved for their diligence and hard work and I look forward to working with them to ensure a long-term fix is achieved.”

 
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