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The Bush administration's fixation on Iraq costs us dearly in the struggle to comprehensively confront the threat to global peace and stability presented by al-Qaida and its allies. President Bush's final term in office is almost up, though, and the next president will have the opportunity to forge a better strategy.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today hailed the President's release of $3.7 billion in additional veterans funding provided by Congress. These funds, combined with others approved last year, total a $6.7 billion increase in 2008, the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans Affairs Department (VA).
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) led senior congressional staff to visit U.S. Pacific Command, Special Operations Forces and the U.S. State Department in Hawaii, the Philippines and Malaysia. The trip provided a better sense of SOCOM's work to prevent terrorism and reinforced relations with partner governments. Smith visited Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year; this trip helped provide a picture of SOCOM's work in other countries facing serious threats from infiltration by radical extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09.) voted with a bipartisan majority in favor of the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act. The bill renews and improves SCHIP, providing health care coverage for 11 million children - preserving coverage for the 7 million children currently covered by SCHIP and extends it to 4 million uninsured children who are currently eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the upcoming retirement of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-Calif.). Smith is a senior member on the committee.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the suicide bombing that killed Benazir Bhutto and dozens of others at a rally in Pakistan. Smith chairs the terrorism subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee and is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee:
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced H. Res. 911 in the House of Representatives calling for an increased commitment in Afghanistan to stem rising violence and confront resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists. The bill - cosponsored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) - makes it clear that such an increase cannot occur until we reduce our troop presence in Iraq.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations measure:
"This legislation is far from perfect, but it reflects our best efforts to fund the priorities of the American people. I am encouraged that Congress was able to reverse some of the President's proposed cuts to key programs. I was also able to help secure funding for key South Sound initiatives in this legislation," Smith said.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after voting against legislation to provide $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with no constraints on the President's policies. Smith voted earlier this week for legislation to provide $31 billion for Afghanistan operations. Smith also introduced a resolution today calling for an increased commitment in Afghanistan:
Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, on December 2 and 3, a severe winter storm swept across Oregon and Washington State. Countless first responders came to the aid of those in need and worked tirelessly to restore order in the aftermath of the storm. I strongly support H. Res. 851 in recognition of the dedication, service, and courage shown by these men and women.