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Smith Statement on U.S. District Court’s Injunction on President’s Executive Action on Immigration

February 18, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement regarding a Texas U.S. District Court’s injunction on the President’s executive action on immigration reform:

“I am disappointed in the decision to temporarily delay the President’s executive action.  The President acted within his legal authority to help fix our broken immigration system as President Bush, Reagan, and many Presidents have before.  The President’s action is much needed as it would bring millions of families and children who live in constant fear of deportation out of the shadows and refocus our resources on individuals who present real risks to our communities.  Delaying this critical action continues to ignore the glaring need for immigration reform and will continue to rip families and communities across the country apart.”

 

Congressman Smith Statement on Funding the Department of Homeland Security

February 13, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on Republican’s refusal to pass a Department of Homeland Security funding bill:

“Republicans continue to lose the immigration policy discussion and have now decided to hold funding for the Department of Homeland Security, a vital national security agency, hostage in an attempt to achieve their extreme immigration policy goals.
 
“As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand the wide range of threats our country faces every day. There are individuals that plot and plan to attack us at home and abroad every single day and the Department of Homeland Security plays a crucial role in providing for our security. Threatening to cut off funding for this important agency simply to undermine the President’s immigration polices is highly irresponsible. 
 
“The unnecessary fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security builds on the Republican’s legacy of governing through crisis. Republicans now control both chambers of Congress and with that power comes responsibility. It’s time to get back to regular order and fund the government like responsible elected leaders.”  

Congressman Smith spoke about DHS funding on the House Floor last night.  Click here for video.

Smith Statement on U.S. Remittances to Somalia

February 6, 2015

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) joined colleagues in sending a letter to the Administration requesting an urgent meeting to develop an emergency plan to discuss Somali remittances.  Merchants Bank of California is the largest financial institution that handles the majority of money transfers from the U.S. to Somalia.  Last Friday, it notified all Money Transfer Operators (MTO) that it will be closing their accounts today, Friday, February 6th.  As a result, Somali-Americans in Washington State will be unable to send money to their family members in Somalia. 
 
“I have heard from many of my constituents, and I understand that remittances are a large part of the Somali economy. These funds help many families pay for the essentials, like food and medicine.  We need to ensure that residents of the 9th District and Somali-Americans everywhere can continue to send money back to their families in Somalia.   I will continue to fight for policies that do so. “
 
Congressman Smith has cosponsored legislation and spoke with multiple government officials in attempts to find ways to continue U.S. remittances to Somalia.  Additionally, Rep. Smith has hosted community meetings with constituents, money transfer operators, and banks to identify and discuss the challenges and opportunities regarding this issue.
 

 

Smith Statement on President’s Budget Request

February 2, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2016 budget request:

“Today, the President released a budget that prioritizes hard-working families who have not shared in or benefited enough from the economic recovery.  The budget proposal would eliminate loopholes and special interest tax breaks to raise the revenue necessary to invest in making paychecks go further, and improving access to education and good-paying jobs.  Our economy and our nation are the strongest when all Americans share in economic success.  The President’s budget aims to build such an economy.  
 
“In stark contrast, the Republican’s agenda remains focused on maintaining the status quo where the wealthiest Americans benefit and hard-working families struggle to make ends meet.  Moving forward, the President’s budget will set up an important debate that will help decide the direction of our country.  It is important that Congress stand with the President and hard-working families to fight for an economy that works for everyone.”

 

Congressman Smith Supports USAID’s Investment in the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization

January 28, 2015

Yesterday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a commitment of $1 billion to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi).  This money will help Gavi immunize 300 million children and save an estimated 5 million lives through 2020.  The $1 billion commitment is subject to Congressional approval.  Congressman Smith released the following statement supporting USAID’s announcement:

“I applaud USAID’s commitment to Gavi and urge the Congress to approve the use of these funds.  Investing in child immunization contributes to the global goal to end preventable child deaths by 2035 and develop new approaches to accelerate progress towards ensuring child and maternal survival. Developing countries benefit from healthy and strong communities that can cultivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, doctors, and workers.  I would like to recognize all my constituents involved in RESULTS for all of their hard work on this issue and look forward to working with them to ensure Gavi is successful.”

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