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Press Releases

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.  

 

Smith Applauds President for Creating Task Force on 21st Century Policing

December 19, 2014

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the President’s executive order to create the Task Force for 21st Century Policing:
 
“As the tragedies in Ferguson and New York made clear, our country needs to strengthen and build relationships between local law enforcement and the communities they serve.  I applaud the President for creating this task force of law enforcement representatives, local leaders, youth leaders, and academics to prepare recommendations on how to improve policing.  I was also pleased to see that Washington State’s Sue Rahr was selected to serve on the task force.  Sue brings years of experience and perspective, and is an excellent choice.  I look forward to seeing what recommendations the Task Force offers and will work to implement changes that will help build trust and relationships with local law enforcement and their communities.”

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