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Press Releases

Congressman Smith Recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 19, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
 
“There was no fiercer advocate for equality than Martin Luther King Jr.  Despite daunting challenges, he never stopped fighting and his legacy continues to inspire millions of Americans today.  As we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must recognize that his dream to provide equality and opportunity to every American still has not been reached.  Zip codes and incomes too often dictate one’s ability to access high-quality education, affordable healthcare, and good-paying employment opportunities, and the right to vote continues to be threatened for many Americans .  To truly honor Dr. King’s dream, our country must come together and recommit ourselves to continue the fight for equality by reducing income inequality and expanding economic opportunities for all.

 

Smith Strongly Opposes Republican Attempts to Deport DREAMers, Obstruct Immigration Reform

January 14, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing House Republicans attempt to strip protections for DREAMers and the President’s executive action:

 

“In their latest attempt to deport DREAMers, rip families apart, and obstruct progress on immigration reform, House Republicans are now threatening to shut down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if they don’t get their way.  Instead of using this legislation as an opportunity to focus limited DHS resources on national security threats, House Republicans continue to play politics, and in the process are leaving millions of people and families to suffer from a broken immigration system.”
 
“I’m also disappointed with the failure to open the process by which this bill was considered.  Because of the closed process, Republicans refused to consider an amendment that I proposed with colleagues that would have eliminated the misguided detention bed mandate, which is costly and incentivizes the detention of more people when there are more cost-effective alternatives to detention available.”

 

Smith Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline

January 9, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after opposing Keystone XL legislation:
 
“I opposed the Keystone XL pipeline because I believe it is the wrong direction for our energy policy.  Our nation must face the reality of global climate change and take steps to reduce carbon emissions.  Rather than focusing on Keystone XL, we should be working on bigger picture investments in clean energy and energy efficient technologies that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that hurt our environment.”

 

Smith Statement on President’s Community College Tuition Plan

January 9, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement in support of President Obama’s proposal to cover two years of tuition for students at community colleges:
 
“I am very happy to see the President take action to make higher education more affordable and accessible for every student.  Higher college tuitions and growing income inequality have made the cost of higher education an extremely difficult hurdle for students with limited resources.  At the same time, more and more jobs are requiring degrees and advanced study, making higher education attainment more important than ever. The America’s College Promise proposal would make two years of community college free for students committed to their education.  Providing universal access to the skills and education that our global economy demands is absolutely critical in leveling the playing field and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

For more information on the President’s proposal, click here.  

 

Smith Encouraged By Mexican Governor’s Call to Drop Charges Against Nestora Salgado

January 9, 2015

Yesterday, Rogelia Ortega, Governor of the Mexico State of Guerrero requested prosecutors drop the charges against Nestora Salgado.  Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group in her hometown of Olinalá in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups.
 
“I am very encouraged by the new Governor’s call to drop charges against Nestora Salgado.  This is a critical step forward, but we must continue to pressure Mexican officials to take action and bring resolution to this case.  I will continue to work closely with Nestora’s family and the Department of State to ensure she is released from prison.
 
The new Governor’s action adds yet another voice urging for Nestora’s release.  Last year, a Mexican federal judge dismissed the criminal charges against her and issued an order of immediate release from federal prison.  As her Member of Congress, Representative Smith has sent letters and made phone calls to the State Department to bring attention to the case and ensure Nestora can safely return to her family.  

 

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