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Congressman Smith Statement on Black History Month

February 1, 2013

 House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement to commemorate Black History Month:

“As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the great achievements African-Americans both past and present have made to help shape the fabric of our nation.  Throughout history, African-Americans have been remarkable inventors, philosophers, statesmen, writers, and leaders in our community. While Black History Month inspires us to recognize the vast number of achievements of African-Americans, we should continue to incorporate Black history in our schools’ American history curriculum year-round.  
 
“In the face of our nation’s most disgraceful moments, from slavery to segregation, African-Americans have showed incredible leadership, determination, and commitment in fighting for equality that has benefitted millions of Americans.  We should take the lessons of the past to advance our society beyond the oppression, prejudice, and hate that continues to plague our country. While our nation struggles to solve unemployment rates, bring our public schools to a competitive standard, mend our broken healthcare model, and fix our judiciary system, we must recognize that African-Americans are disproportionately affected when we fail to do so. As a nation, it is critical that we ensure every American, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Congressman Smith Statement on Saeed Abedini Sentencing in Iran

February 1, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on the sentencing of Saeed Abedini:

”I condemn the arrest of U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini in Iran and Iran's continued violation of the universal right to freedom of religion. By offering Mr. Abedini’s attorney only one day for his defense, Iran has not provided transparency and fairness in his trial. I support the State Department’s condemnation of Iran’s actions and their call to release Saeed Abedini and respect his human rights. I, along with many of their friends in the Puget Sound region, offer my thoughts and prayers to Saeed, his wife Naghmeh, and their children during this difficult time.”

Congressman Smith Statement on Fourth Quarter GDP

January 31, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Commerce Department’s estimate for the GDP in the fourth quarter of 2012:

 

“It is deeply troubling that our GDP contracted in the fourth quarter of 2012, representing the first negative growth in more than three years.  With the risk of sequestration on the horizon, no long-term solution for the debt ceiling, and the inability to pass appropriations bills, it is no surprise that our economy was negatively impacted.

 

“Now is the time for Congress to make the difficult choices and implement long-term solutions that provide stability for the economy.  Unfortunately, Republicans insist on using appropriations bills and the debt ceiling as bargaining chips to further an agenda of spending cuts to important programs like Medicare, while refusing to even discuss increasing revenues as part of any solution.  This has led to stalled appropriations bills, the risk of default, and the threat of sequestration, all of which hurt our economy.  As we move forward, Congress must provide critical stability and certainty by agreeing on comprehensive, long-term appropriation bills that will eliminate the threat of sequestration, defaulting on our debt, and government shutdowns.”

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Congressman Smith Statement on Proposed Immigration Reform Framework

January 29, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) issued the following statement on the President's support of immigration reform and a bipartisan framework in Congress:

"Addressing our immigration system in a comprehensive way is incredibly important and long overdue. The announcement of a framework Monday morning by the bipartisan group of Senators and President Obama's vocal support of similar principles today are critical steps forward. While there are still many details to be figured out and significant work to be done, I'm encouraged by this initial action and look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to make immigration reform a reality this Congress."

Congressman Smith Statement on Denis McDonough Being Named White House Chief of Staff

January 25, 2013

Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after Denis McDonough was named White House Chief of Staff:

”I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Denis McDonough for his appointment as the next White House Chief of Staff.   I have known and worked with Denis for years.  He is a strong leader, a thoughtful advisor, and a tireless worker.  Denis’ advice has helped President Obama accomplish his national security objectives throughout his presidency.  As a seasoned Congressional staffer and with his experience in the Obama Administration, most recently as the Deputy National Security Advisor, Denis has built and maintained strong relationships with Congress that will serve him well in his new capacity as Chief of Staff.  I have no doubt that Denis will continue be a tremendous advisor to President Obama and look forward to working with him in his new role.”  
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