Press Releases

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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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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Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the passage of the Continuing Resolution today in the House of Representatives:

“The Continuing Resolution that passed today is in no way perfect.  I support the resolution because it prevents a government shutdown that would destabilize the economy and provides more flexibility to Defense, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Homeland Security funding as they deal with the over 8 percent across the board spending cuts known as the sequester.  I hope that by averting the shutdown, Congress can come together to work on passing comprehensive, long-term appropriations bills that will eliminate sequestration and promote jobs and economic growth.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the passage of the Republican budget:

“Over the last 12 years, we have cut taxes to the tune of $7 trillion, while spending has significantly increased.  This is a recipe for huge deficits and debt.  We need to get our deficit under control, but we must also be mindful of our economy now. Deep budget cuts passed today by House Republicans would be too great of a blow to our economy and would hurt millions of working class Americans, families, and seniors.    

“The Republican budget radically dismantles Medicare by cutting benefits and turning the system into a voucher program. The budget fails to eliminate sequestration, slashes investments in education and worker training programs for working class families, and doesn’t raise a penny of revenue. This all-cuts approach forces education, transportation, and other essential programs to face deep, destabilizing cuts that could limit growth by undermining investment in our national priorities.  

“I voted in support of two proposals that outline a balanced approach to decreasing our deficit, making measured investments in our economy, and maintaining the benefits and integrity of Medicare and Medicaid.  I voted for the House and Senate Democratic budgets because they encourage economic growth now and in the long-term.   These proposals would eliminate the mindless, across-the-board cuts known as sequestration, and put in place a balanced, sustainable deficit reduction plan that raises revenues and makes strategic cuts in spending,  while also investing in job-creation and education.  These budgets set reasonable goals in decreasing our deficits while also investing in jobs and our economy now.

“While our economy continues to recover, our nation needs a thoughtful deficit reduction plan that is balanced through increases in revenue and cuts to spending, removes sequestration, drives our economy toward prosperity, and is careful not to cut too deeply too quickly.  Unfortunately, the so-called Ryan Budget that passed today in the House of Representatives fails in all four tests.”

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Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee made the following statement after the announcement that Japan will request membership in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations:
 
“Japan’s interest in joining negotiations is a major step toward expanding the economic reach of TPP, which negotiators are already seeking to shape into an ambitious and comprehensive 21st Century agreement.  Japan is a major economic partner and strategic ally in a geopolitically essential part of the world. There are remaining issues that the Administration has raised and, while progress has been made, I would encourage both governments to dedicate themselves to resolving these legitimate issues.  
 
“The countries of the Asia Pacific region will continue to be essential strategic partners in the future.  It is in our national interest to engage this fast-growing region and deepen our relations through regional and bilateral diplomacy, increased military engagement, and improved economic relations.
“If done right, TPP will promote innovation, high labor standards, help small and medium sized businesses participate, and allow our country and the Pacific Northwest to more actively compete in international markets.  Nearly 40 percent of jobs in Washington State are trade related, and by potentially reducing barriers for U.S. goods to this region, exporters will have greater access to markets and opportunities for growth.  I will continue to monitor TPP negotiations as they advance to ensure that our trade partnerships are the best deal for the American people.”

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