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McKeon, Smith Statement on Navy Yard Shootings

September 16, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon and Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following joint statement about the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard:

"We’re saddened by today’s heartbreaking attack at the Washington Navy Yard. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we've seen such a tragedy befall the patriotic personnel working at a U.S. Military installation. There is nothing more cowardly than targeting innocents, and we have full faith in military and law enforcement officials to bring the perpetrators to justice.  We send our thoughts and prayers out to the victims and their families."

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Congressman Smith Statement on Anniversary of Septemeber 11th

September 11, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement in remembrance of September 11th:

“On the 12th anniversary of September 11th, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who we lost on that tragic day.  We must honor the innocent Americans who perished and all the heroic first responders who put their lives on the line to save others.  We will never forget their sacrifice.

“September 11th also serves as a reminder of the tremendous work our Armed Forces have done to protect the United States.  Each and every day, all over the world, our brave men and women in uniform continue to risk their lives to fight terrorism and threats against our country.  We must honor those who have and continue to serve to protect our freedoms and values at home.”

Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on President’s Syria Speech

September 11, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement after the President’s speech on Syria:

“Last night, the President made it clear that the Assad regime murdered more than 1,400 people, including more than 400 children, with chemical weapons. This was a despicable act and I agree that the world must respond.     

“I am encouraged to see that the President has postponed a vote to authorize the use of force in Syria to pursue a potential diplomatic solution. While we have not seen specifics of the proposal, which will be put forward by Russia, it could require that Syria’s chemical weapons be put under the control of the international community and destroyed.  

“The proposal could potentially prevent and deter Assad from using chemical weapons again while avoiding military action. This would be the ideal outcome, but we should not rush to judgment. The proposal is still in its infancy and it must be fully vetted.

“This is a difficult situation, and ideally a diplomatic solution is achieved, but I still remain undecided that a military strike is the appropriate course of action should diplomacy fail.”

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Congressman Smith Statement on DOJ Guidance on Marijuana Policy

August 29, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not challenge state law and updated its federal enforcement policy to not target Washington State voters complying with state law:

“I was pleased to see the DOJ’s guidance to U.S. Attorneys on marijuana laws, ensuring that criminal activity remains a priority and residents who are abiding by Washington law will not be targeted.  The State’s voters spoke loud and clear last November when they passed I-502, and the DOJ not challenging state marijuana laws is a positive step to respect the will of the voters.

“There are still steps that need to be taken to protect individuals and a burgeoning business market.  Our state has invested significant resources, including money and hours of state employees’ time, to establish regulatory systems allowing for successful implementation of I-502, and yet businesses looking to invest in this industry and banks seeking new clients cannot do so without fear of prosecution or other penalties from the federal government.  Similar concerns weigh on individuals who, while fully complying with state statutes, can still face criminal charges, despite the DOJ’s guidance to not target these individuals.  

“Since I-502 passed, I have spoken with many federal officials and sent numerous letters urging the DOJ to respect the will of Washington State voters.  I have cosponsored bipartisan legislation offered by Representative Dana Rohrabacher that would let state’s marijuana laws preempt federal law, and legally protect all Washington State citizens following state law.  I have also supported legislation offered by Rep. Denny Heck of Washington, which would protect banks doing business with the legal Washington State marijuana industry from Federal statutes.  I will continue to work with the DOJ to get all necessary assurances for the people of Washington State.”

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Congressman Smith Statement on 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

August 28, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington:

“Thousands gathered in Washington, DC and witnessed history when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream Speech" during the 1963 civil rights March on Washington.  50 years later, thousands will gather again at the Lincoln Memorial to continue the fight against prejudice, inequality, and discrimination that still plague our country.  America has come a long way, but we still face major challenges to equal opportunity, including the recent Supreme Court decision that dismantles the Voting Rights Act and allows states to block African American and Hispanic citizens from the polls with policies like voter ID laws.  Additionally, while the unemployment rate is still unacceptably high in our country, it is still higher among people of color. I will continue to fight in Congress for jobs and equal opportunity.  Let us honor Dr. King and the March on Washington by recommitting ourselves to equality for all.”
 
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