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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.
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.
Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by echoing the comments of my colleague from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) and also thanking him for his outstanding leadership on our subcommittee. It's been great to work in a bipartisan fashion with Mr. Thornberry; with Mr. Saxton, the former chairman; and the other members of the committee. And I will not repeat all that Mr. Thornberry just said because I agree with it completely.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted to support our troops in harm's way and their families at home by supporting H.R. 1585, the fiscal year 2008 Defense Authorization Conference Report. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 370 to 49.
"Our troops and their families continue to shoulder enormous burdens on our behalf. I was proud today to vote for legislation that recognizes the sacrifices they make for our country. This bill will also help repair our military readiness and reequip our National Guard," Smith said.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after a House Armed Services Committee hearing on security and stability in Afghanistan. The hearing included as witnesses Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
"It is clear following the responses of Secretary Gates and others that our efforts in Afghanistan suffer due to the depth of our commitment in Iraq.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today voted for forward-thinking energy legislation that would change the direction of American energy policy and protect the environment. The bill changes federal incentives from reliance on fossil fuels to greater use of renewable energy sources. Smith supported the Energy Independence and Security Act, which passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 235 - 181.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the Defense Department's (DoD) misguided bonus pay policy. DoD rules preclude the payment of scheduled bonuses to troops who do not finish their tours of duty due to combat-related injury. Smith cosponsored H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007, which would end this unfair policy. Smith also signed a letter to the President decrying DoD's misguided rules regarding bonus pay.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith issued the following statement in response to House passage of H.R. 4156, the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act. The bill provides $50 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan while requiring the Administration to begin reducing troops immediately and to plan for a full redeployment of combat forces by December 2008.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith today voted to invest in key infrastructure and housing needs by supporting the conference report for H.R. 3074, the fiscal year 2008 Transportation - Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 270 to 147.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith today voted for H.R. 3996, the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007. The act will prevent 23 million middle class families from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) this April. To pay for this tax cut, the bill corrects a tax inequity by closing loopholes for investment fund managers.