Information about the Coronavirus Outbreak

News

Press Releases

Smith Statement on Meeting with Army Leadership at JBLM

March 23, 2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement following today’s meeting with Army leaders at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
share: f t

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement following today’s meeting with Army leaders at Joint Base Lewis-McChord:

“I would like to thank the members of the Army’s senior leadership who arranged today’s meeting to discuss incidents that have occurred involving soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Their willingness to address urgent concerns that are affecting the well-being of our troops, their safety abroad and ability to successfully carry out their missions is an important step forward in supporting our men and women who serve. It is also critical to preventing future episodes that place the lives of our soldiers and civilians in jeopardy.

“I and other members of the delegation pressed General Austin to understand what policies are currently in place or need to be put in place to make sure every soldier who is living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries gets the treatment he or she needs.  These are difficult jobs with high stress levels, and the issues we see here are ones we see at every large base in our country. Our focus is on making sure there is a comprehensive plan to detect these injuries and disorders and do more to ensure that every soldier who needs treatment gets it. I will continue to closely monitor this issue to make sure all our military personnel receive the care they deserve.  

“I also want to reiterate that the killing of 17 innocent civilians in Afghanistan resulted from the actions of one individual and is not a reflection of the character of our Armed Forces nor does it reflect upon the leadership at JBLM. I have full confidence that the leadership of this base and our Armed Forces will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of our troops while continuing to meet our national security objectives. 

“I look forward to discussing next steps and to working with the Army to implement the changes and policies discussed today in the most timely and effective manner.”

###

Smith Applauds Department of Interior Efforts to Preserve World War II Japanese American Internment Sites

March 22, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in response to the Department of Interior’s announcement that it would move forward in awarding 17 grants totaling $2.9 million to preserve and interpret confinement sites around the country where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were detained during World War II
share: f t
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in response to the Department of Interior’s announcement that it would move forward in awarding 17 grants totaling $2.9 million to preserve and interpret confinement sites around the country where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were detained during World War II:

“I’m pleased the Department of Interior is dedicated to preserving the historic confinement sites where thousands of Japanese Americans were unjustly held during World War II. These sites will safeguard an important part of our country’s history and will ensure the stories of Japanese Americans will never be forgotten.

“In the face of fear and uncertainty, these sites remind us how important it is to protect the civil liberties of every individual in our country, at all times. I commend the Department on their decision to move forward.”

Congressman Smith is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), comprised of Members of Congress who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

The following projects from applicants in Washington State will receive awards:

*Project: “Honoring a Legacy, Forging a Future: Preserving the Stories and Collections of World War II Veterans and Internees”
Applicant: Wing Luke Memorial Foundation. (Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience), Seattle, WA Award: $170,833
Site: Minidoka National Historic Site, Jerome County, ID

*Project: “Enhancing Access to Heart Mountain Collections at Washington State University”
Applicant: Washington State University, Pullman, WA Award: $77,769
Site: Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Park County, WY

*Project: “Japanese American Confinement Sites Encyclopedia-Phase II”
Applicant: Densho, Seattle, WA Award: $362,450
Sites: Multiple

###

Smith Statement on WTO Appellate Body Report

March 12, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) announcement that the United States prevailed in a dispute before the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which rejected European Union (EU) claims and found that substantial trade-distorting subsidies were not provided to The Boeing Company.
share: f t
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) announcement that the United States prevailed in a dispute before the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which rejected European Union (EU) claims and found that substantial trade-distorting subsidies were not provided to The Boeing Company:

“I was happy to hear that the World Trade Organization appellate ruling confirmed what we in the Northwest have known: that the allegations against the United States of subsidizing the aircraft industry in our nation and in Washington State were largely unfounded. It also confirms that despite an unlevel playing field where Airbus has received significant subsidies from the European Union, Boeing has remained internationally competitive and our aerospace workers continue to produce at the highest quality products in the industry.

“The ruling that many of our nation’s federal, state, and local governments’ efforts did not conflict with WTO policy is a victory for workers in Washington State and for the American aerospace industry. I will continue working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to make sure we respond appropriately to the Appellate Body’s report and ensure a fair deal for American workers and businesses.”

 ###

Ranking Member Adam Smith, Senator Mark Udall Launch Effort to Protect Citizens and Non Citizens from Indefinite Detention, Preserve Civil Liberties

March 8, 2012

The Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, unveiled legislation at a press conference today to ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system.
share: f t
Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, unveiled legislation (summary) at a press conference today to ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system.

The bills also prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention for individuals detained in the United States and affirms that any trial proceedings “shall have all the due process as provided for under the Constitution.”

In unveiling their companion bills, Smith and Udall made the following joint statement:

 “Current law gives the executive branch too much power. By ensuring all due process rights enshrined in the Constitution, our legislation protects civil rights and ensures national security. The bills clarify that the only options for anyone detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) are Article III courts (federal) and state courts. They prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention.

“In addition to protecting civil liberties, these bills strengthen one of our strongest assets in trying suspected terrorists: Article III courts and domestic law enforcement. Federal courts have a proven track record of success: Over 400 defendants charged with crimes related to international terrorism have been successfully convicted in the United States since 9/11.

“Additionally, our civilian law enforcement also has a proven track record of success as demonstrated by the recent mandatory life sentence received by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the “underwear bomber.” This conviction builds on a history of success. In fact, more than 300 individuals convicted of crimes related to international terrorism are currently incarcerated in federal prisons within the United States with no escapes or retaliatory attack.

“While some claim we should shy away using a court system that has been a model for the world for more than 200 years, we believe that we should embrace it. We should not fear our Constitution. We should embrace it.”   

###

Smith Statement on International Women's Day

March 8, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement today in celebration of International Women's Day.
share: f t
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement today in celebration of International Women's Day:

“Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day by recognizing the achievements women have made as leaders in our communities and across the globe.  Throughout history, women have played a vital role in securing the civil rights and liberties of all people, and though it is sometimes unfairly overlooked, we all continue to benefit from their commitment to a more just and equal society where women have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

"Women everywhere continue to face numerous obstacles in achieving full political, economic, and social equality. But with the strides they’ve attained over the past century, crucial progress has and will continue to be made. We must all continue working toward a society where no person is denied their right to an education, access to healthcare, or economic opportunity because of their gender.


“As we celebrate today and during Women’s History Month this March, we have an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the advancement and empowerment of women worldwide. We also reiterate our commitment to leveling the playing field to ensure paths of leadership for women and girls are meaningfully paved.”
###
« First < Prev Next > Last »