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Adam Supports Legislation to Support Medicare Physicians; Patients

December 9, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement regarding his support for legislation that will fix a projected 25% cut in Medicare physician payments:

“In order to prevent a 25 percent cut in Medicare physician payments next year and ensure patient stability, Congress passed a one-year fix to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which is used to calculate physician payments. The formula called for a 25 percent cut to physician payments next year, effective January 1, 2011. 

“With our seniors in mind, I supported this legislation because it will avert devastating cuts to Medicare and provide certainty for both patients and physicians. 
 
“However, this short-term solution is not enough.  Congress must find a permanent and fully paid-for solution to the SGR problem so that physicians and patients are not repeatedly faced with pending, massive cuts.  I will continue working with my colleagues to address these issues and I am hopeful that we will find a permanent solution for our nation’s doctors and seniors.”
 
“The one-year fix to the SGR is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit.”

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Statement in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 7, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:

“Today, let us pause to remember those who lost their lives on this day in 1941, when American forces at Pearl Harbor were attacked. From the first wave of the attack our brave men and women in uniform fought back as best they could, showing the spirit and resolve of a generation. Despite their brave actions, our nation suffered great losses that morning as we were thrust into World War II. Their sacrifice, and others who served in World War II, will not be forgotten. 

“We owe the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect, and as we mark this solemn occasion let us take a moment to honor those who have served in the military or who are currently deployed in harms way.”

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Rep. Adam Smith Returns from Afghanistan

December 2, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith recently returned from leading a Congressional Delegation to Afghanistan. The delegation met with U.S. and Afghan officials, U.S. and NATO commanders, and U.S. military personnel to assess the political, civil and military developments on the ground. 
“I recently had the opportunity to visit our service men and women in a number of different regions across Afghanistan and it is clear that they are doing a tremendous job in a very difficult situation,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “We are beginning to see some signs of success. They have created some space in regions where the Taliban was once prominent. This space is now allowing U.S. and NATO personnel to work with local partners and make progress toward establishing functional governance and civil institutions.”

“While we are beginning to see some signs of progress,” continued Smith. “I remain very concerned about the high cost of our efforts and the challenges we continue to face in developing a reliable partner in the Afghan government. We have a significant national security threat in the region and we must make certain that there is a clear, more cost-efficient policy to both ensure the security and stability of Afghanistan and to responsibly draw down our military forces. 

Smith, who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, organized the trip to help educate key Congressional Members on civil, military and political counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism initiatives in Afghanistan.  Specifically, the focus of the trip was on interagency cooperation, special operations, intelligence and development activities in Afghanistan.  

Smith formerly chaired the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, where he focused extensively on our nation’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan and other regions of the world. His committee work and extensive travel to Afghanistan and the region has allowed him to develop extensive knowledge of the national security challenges we face. 

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Statement on Anniversary of Lakewood Police Officers Shooting

November 29, 2010

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in reflection of the shooting which killed four Lakewood Police Officers a year ago:

“One year ago today, four Lakewood Police Officers were the target of a heinous, senseless crime. As we reflect on this tragic day, let us honor and remember their sacrifice and service. These valiant officers lost their lives working to keep our communities safe and they will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers also continue to be with their friends, family and loved ones. 

“The horrific murder of these officers, committed by a criminal originating from a state hundreds of miles away, is a vivid reminder of the risks our police officers face each and every day. While there is nothing we can do to bring them back, we can honor their loss by working to help prevent an act like this from occurring again.

“In the days and months since that dreadful day, we have not only mourned with gatherings and vigils, but also with action to help prevent this sort of tragedy from happening again. Earlier this year, the Interstate Commission for Adult Offenders Supervision, the body that governs the release and supervision of convicted felons across state lines, adopted changes to the compact between states that will help prevent similar tragedies from happening again. 

“I will continue to do what I can to protect and support the men and women who work to keep our families and our communities safe.”

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Smith Statement on North Korea’s Artillery Attack Against South Korea

November 23, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, released the following statement in response North Korea’s artillery attack on South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island: 
 
“This reckless behavior displayed by North Korea is an unacceptable act of aggression against South Korea, a long-standing ally of the United States. I am concerned about the threat not only for the citizens of South Korea but also for U.S. military personnel stationed on the Korean Peninsula.
 
“I join my colleagues and the Administration in strongly condemning the actions of the North Korean military. These hostile actions by the North Korean regime are the latest in a series of belligerent nuclear ambitions and military actions that have escalated tensions in the region and cannot continue.  
 
“The United States is committed to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Additional escalation of hostilities between North and South Korea is not in the interest of either country, the United States or the international community. I urge all parties to practice restraint and focus on defusing this situation. “

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