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Congressman Smith Statement on Passage of CISPA

April 18, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the House passed the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA):
 
“There has been an increase in cyber attacks on government agencies, financial institutions, and other private industries in the United States and globally.  Our current defenses are not keeping pace with the increasing amount and sophistication of attacks, and our nation is at greater risk as a result.  I voted for CISPA because it offers us an important opportunity to begin to get a handle on the real and growing cybersecurity threats that face us, but the bill is not perfect.

“I was pleased to see notable improvements in this legislation’s protection of privacy and civil liberties over previous versions.  The elimination of a broad provision that allowed information sharing for “national security uses” was a major step to improve privacy concerns.  Now the bill only allows information sharing for more specific threats: cybersecurity, cyber crimes, protection from mortal danger or harm, and protection of minors from child pornography.  CISPA also mandates the government to minimize or remove personally identifiable information obtained from the private sector, requires civilian entities within the government to receive cyber threats and crimes, and adds oversight responsibilities for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Board (PCLOB).

“With that said, I do have significant privacy concerns with the legislation.  The bill is still in need of stronger requirements for private companies to protect personal information and privacy before cybersecurity data is shared.  Along with that, I have concerns that the liability protection provided by CISPA remains too broad for action taken by private entities in response to cyber threat information.

“CISPA will go to conference with cybersecurity legislation that is eventually passed by the Senate, and during that process I will continue to fight to protect personal privacy and alleviate civil liberty concerns.  However, given the many intelligence briefs I have received as Member of Congress detailing previous cyber attacks and our vulnerabilities to future attacks, doing nothing to improve our defense against cyber attacks right now is unacceptable.” 
 

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Congressman Smith Statement on Senate Immigration Proposal

April 17, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement after the bipartisan group of senators introduced their immigration reform proposal:
 
“Immigration reform is long overdue, and this bill is a first step toward comprehensively addressing our broken immigration system.  Under this legislation, the legal immigration system would be overhauled, our nation’s border security would be enhanced, and the 11 million undocumented immigrants and their families would gain a path to citizenship.
 
“We have to make it easier and simpler for individuals who support and grow our economy to come and remain here legally.  Legal immigration is not an obstacle to growth, but rather supplements our economic competitiveness and American jobs by attracting needed workers, high-skilled entrepreneurs, and investors.  We also must ensure that we keep families together.
 
“This bill is not perfect, and as it advances through the legislative process,  I will  continue to work to ensure that our immigration system will allow families to stay together, businesses to thrive, and our nation to be secure.”
 

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Congressman Smith Statement on National Minority Cancer Awareness Week

April 15, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement recognizing National Minority Cancer Awareness Week:

"Today marks the beginning of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.  It is critical that we use this week to bring attention to the health challenges facing minority communities and the disparities that exist with cancer.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Black men and women have the highest cancer death rates of all ethnic groups with colon cancer having a death rate nearly 40 percent higher than the general population.  Further, the Intercultural Cancer Council reports that liver cancer rates among Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans are higher than White Americans.  A recent study also showed lower cancer screening rates among Hispanics versus non- Hispanics.

"These disparities are unacceptable.  As our healthcare capabilities continue to improve, we must ensure that all communities benefit.  By raising awareness and making measured investments in the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Office of Minority Health, we can improve health services and research, increase early cancer detection, and expand networks and access to combat health disparities among minority populations throughout the country.  To learn more about cancer health disparities, visit the CDC’s website."

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Congressman Smith Statement on Equal Pay Day

April 9, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on Equal Pay Day:

“Equal Pay Day serves as a stark reminder of the discrimination that women face in the workplace.  The Equal Pay Act was signed into law 50 years ago, yet a significant pay gap between men and women remains.  Women now make up around half of the workforce, but earn only 77 cents for every dollar that men earn for doing the same work.  This disparity exists at all levels of education and occupation and is entirely unacceptable.  Further, as women’s wages continue to make up a growing share of family incomes, pay inequality negatively impacts both children and spouses as well.  This is not just a women’s issue; it is also a family issue.  
 
“Representative Rosa DeLauro introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act in January, legislation that would help make sure that women are paid at equal levels for equal work.  It would require employers who pay a man more than a woman for the same job to provide proof that the disparity is not gender-based, prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who discuss salary information, and make it easier for women to file class-action lawsuits against employers they accuse of gender-based pay discrimination.  I am an original cosponsor of this legislation.
 
“As we recognize Equal Pay Day, it is critical that we continue to push for legislation, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, that would fight to end gender-based wage discrimination.  When women are paid equally for equal work, it benefits us all.”
 

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Congressman Smith Statement on Supreme Court Review of Marriage Equality Cases

March 26, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the Supreme Court cases reviewing Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act this week:

“No couple should be denied the right to marry and build a life together based on love, commitment, and mutual support.  That is why I am a strong supporter of repealing the so-called “Defense Of Marriage Act.” I will continue to fight for the equal treatment and protection of all LGBT people and their families.  This February, I introduced the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act, and I will work with my colleagues to pass this bill that would allow equal standing for same-sex spouses of our servicemembers.

“The progress that has been made toward full marriage equality over the past decade is remarkable, but we have not reached our goal just yet.  Marriage equality would be a critical step in recognizing the worth and dignity of our LGBT community.  We must also be aware of and protect bullied teens, aggressively prosecute bias-based crimes, and fight against all prejudice whether it be based on a person’s sexual identity or expression of gender, or ethnicity, religion, sex, age or ability.  I am committed to moving forward and making sure equality is a reality for all Americans.”

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