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Smith’s Statement in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:

“On Veterans Day, we remember those who put country above themselves. We remember the service of millions of Americans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Without their service, our nation would not be safe from those who wish to do us harm – and today we express our deep gratitude for that service. 

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember that our veterans need and deserve our committed support. We must always remember that even after they step out of their uniforms and put down their weapons, many of our veterans are still in harms way. Many continue to face enormous challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other lasting effects from their service. On Veterans Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources and support necessary to address the issues affecting our veterans’ community. 

“I will continue to be an advocate for the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces as well as their families.” 

Smith Applauds Changes to Interstate Compact Rules

October 15, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), who co-authored a pair of bills designed to address the deficiencies in the interstate compact system that governs the release and supervision of convicted felons across state lines, praised the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision for adopting changes that will enhance public safety. 

In light of the Lakewood Police Officer Shootings last year, Smith and other local lawmakers have been pushing hard for these rule changes, which were proposed by the Washington State Department of Corrections. In addition to the legislation, Smith sent a letter earlier this year encouraging the commission to act on Washington State’s recommendations. 

“The tragic shooting of four police officers in Lakewood last November clearly demonstrated the need to change how states interact in regard to out-of-state felons,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “Our local law enforcement agencies do a tremendous job keeping our communities safe, and we must do what we can to protect them and provide them with the information and tools they need to do their job. These rule changes help to do just that.”

The rule changes provide states that receive offenders more authority to send them back if they pose a significant risk to public safety. It also provides states with more complete criminal histories before agreeing to supervise offenders from other states. These rule changes will take effect on March 1, 2011. 

“As a former prosecutor, I understand how access to information and resources can protect and greatly improve the effectiveness of our law enforcement officials,” continued Smith. “These rule changes are good for public safely and are good for our law enforcement officials.” 

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Smith Applauds Funding to Help Reduce Flooding in Pierce County

October 13, 2010

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) recognized the importance of a more than $1 million Hazard Mitigation Grant received by Pierce County to help reduce the risk of flooding in the Lower Puyallup River Riverside and Clear Creek area. 

“Our communities continue to face the possibility of flooding and we must do everything we can to protect them,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “This grant will help to restore the natural floodplain and reduce the risk of flooding in the Lower Puyallup River Riverside and Clear Creek area.” 

The $1,074,428.00 in funding is being awarded to Pierce County through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation program. The funding will be used to acquire flood damaged properties located in the Lower Puyallup River Riverside and Clear Creek area (south of SR 167 and west of the City of Puyallup).  

The flood damaged properties will be cleaned up and allowed to revert back to natural and beneficial riverine floodplain function and conditions. 

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Smith’s Statement on General Jones’ Retirement

October 8, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, released the following statement on today’s announcement that General James L. Jones will be stepping down as National Security Advisor:  

“As National Security Advisor, General Jim Jones has been a tremendous asset to our country. He has worked diligently to protect our nation from the threats we face from violent extremist. Throughout his career, he has built a distinguished record of public service and his talents and knowledge will be missed.  I look forward to working with recently appointed National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and continuing the important work of protecting our nation.”

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Nearly $20 Million Announced for Small Business Lending in Washington State

October 8, 2010

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) announced that $19,722,515 is being allocated for lending to small businesses in Washington State, a key step of implementing the just-passed Small Business Jobs Act.  States can now apply for their allocation.  This effort will spread $15 billion in new small business lending through innovative local programs that help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create new jobs. 

Congress recently passed the Small Business Jobs Act to spur economic growth and create new jobs by providing much-needed lending to millions of small businesses, and offering 8 new tax incentives to companies, so that they can expand, hire, and fuel our economy.

“Small businesses are the engine of our economy and are central to creating American jobs and rebuilding the economy for the future,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “This investment of nearly $20 million and new tax cuts will provide an important boost to small businesses and help them grow and flourish. I encourage local officials to move quickly on this opportunity.”

Through this part of the Small Business Jobs Act, states have the opportunity to apply for federal funds for programs that partner with private lenders to extend credit to small businesses. States are required to demonstrate a minimum “bang for the buck” of $10 in new private lending for every $1 in federal funding. Accordingly, the $1.5 billion investment from the federal government is expected to support $15 billion in additional private lending. 

In addition to the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Small Business Jobs Act will help America’s 27 million small businesses with eight tax cuts totaling $12 billion that went into effect last week. It will make small businesses more competitive with big corporations by spurring up to $300 billion in private sector lending for small businesses through community banks and extending and expanding existing Small Business Administration low-cost loans. Finally, this bill is fully paid for and will not add a dime to the deficit. 

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