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Smith's Statement on Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

February 14, 2011

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement regarding the expiration of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

"I am disappointed that despite its strong track record and history of bipartisan support, the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program has failed to receive a long-term extension.  This is the wrong time to delay extending this critical program, and with the expiration of the TAA reauthorization this past Saturday, countless American workers have lost a program that helped provide essential education and job training."
 
"I believe these programs are important to American workers and to the health of our economy, which is why I continue to support proven, bipartisan programs like TAA.  I am hopeful that we can work towards an extension of TAA in the future, and I urge my colleagues in the House to pass legislation to continue the TAA program that has been so important to those hardest hit in our economic downturn."




Statement in Observance of Martin Luther King Day

January 17, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the follow statement in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

“We celebrate this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by remembering his courage and honoring his legacy of hope.  He was a once in a lifetime figure that changed the mindset of a nation and his work continues to inspire us today." 

"On this important day, we need to remind ourselves that Dr. King's dream has not yet been fully achieved and we must continue to work toward full equality for all people. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us also remember to challenge one another to have compassion for all and fight to rid our communities of discrimination of any form." 

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Smith’s Statement on Shooting in Arizona

January 8, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the shooting in Tucson, Arizona: 

“I am deeply saddened by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Giffords, her staff and others victims of the shooting. 

“I have served with Congresswoman Giffords on the House Armed Services Committee for years, and she is a dear personal friend. She is an extraordinary member of Congress and an outstanding member of the House Armed Services Committee. 

“Her commitment to her family, our nation and our troops is unparalleled. I have never served with a more principled, dedicated member of Congress.  

“Her family, as well as the families of everyone involved in this tragedy, will be in my thoughts and prayers.”

Smith’s Statement on National Defense Authorization Act

January 7, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the follow statement after the President signed into law the fiscal year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act:  

“I am pleased to see the President sign this legislation.  The Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act represents a year of hard work by our committee and contains important authorities to help our men and women in uniform carry on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“This legislation supports the men and women of our Armed Forces by ensuring that they have the resources they need. It places our policies and priorities exactly where they belong – on our troops and their families. 

“The bill authorizes a 1.4 % pay raise for our troops, strengthens military health care and family support programs, and authorizes numerous other programs that will assist military families. It builds on the Committee’s efforts to support our military personnel and ensures that our military is properly resourced to meet the threats we face today, as well as those of the future. 

“In addition to accomplishing these goals, this legislation contains vital provisions that will improve the Department of Defense acquisition system to ensure that the Pentagon spends taxpayer dollars in the most efficient and effective manner. 

"I am pleased to see this legislation authorizes funding for the procurement and research development programs to ensure that our soldiers and airmen have the equipment and resources they need to carry out their missions. This includes funding for programs such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, equipment for the National Guard and Reserve, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems, as well as other vital equipment and systems used by the Army and Air Force. 

"I also share the President’s concern with some of the provisions regarding detentions in this bill, many of which were the result of compromises demanded by the then-minority at the last minute. I look forward to working with the Administration to craft a rational policy on detainees.”

“This bill is vitally important to our national security and I am proud of the support that it provides to our troops and their efforts to keep us safe. While some adjustments will be needed, I believe it strikes the right balance between fighting the conflicts of today, while preparing our forces for the conflicts of the future.”

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Secretary Gates’ Proposed Defense Savings on the Right Track; Need Careful Review

January 6, 2011

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Washington State.), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the defense budget announcements by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen:  

“Secretary Gates today made a compelling case for continued reforms within the Department of Defense that would reduce waste in many areas and reinvest $100 billion of those savings in critical military priorities that will give our troops greater combat capability.”

“While we don’t yet have the full details, Secretary Gates appears to have taken a moderate and responsible approach to finding these proposed savings.  They will provide Congress with a good starting point for consideration of the overall 2012 budget proposal by the President.”

“These ideas for savings cover a wide range of issues from civilian personnel and healthcare changes to adjustments to complex weapons programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter, so it is clear that the Secretary has done a thorough and comprehensive review of DOD operations.”

“As Secretary Gates explained, proposed defense budgets will continue to grow and the United States will retain the strongest military in the world.  That is assured.  However, he recognizes that in an era of massive budget deficits all parts of the government must be examined closely, including the Department of Defense.  I strongly agree with him in that regard.”

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