News

Press Releases

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.”  

Smith Statement on the Debt Limit Vote

January 23, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after he opposed H.R. 325, the “No Budget, No Pay Act”:

"Rather than increasing the debt limit in a long-term way that would provide certainty and stability for our economy, the legislation passed by the House of Representatives simply punts the debt limit issue until May.  By choosing to delay addressing our debt limit in a serious way, we only make matters worse.

“The debt limit allows the U.S. government to pay back its debts and in no way increases our spending.  Not being able to find long-term solutions to our debt limit will only prevent the U.S. from being able to pay back our debts – not reduce our deficits. Congress and the American people need to be serious about reducing our deficits by cutting spending and increasing revenue. The proposal passed today fails to get us on a path to fiscal security. “

Congressman Smith Statement on Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21, 2013

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

"Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by remembering Dr. King's commitment and tireless efforts to provide every American with equal rights and opportunities. His courage, compassion, and inspiration continue to make our nation better.

"Although our country has made strides, we have not fully achieved Dr. King's dream. Too many children still have unequal access to a good education and adequate healthcare. On this important day, we must honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing the fight for equality."

Congressman Smith Statement on President's Plan to Reduce Gun Violence

January 16, 2013

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after President Obama announced his proposal to reduce gun violence:

“America is facing an epidemic of gun violence.  We need to find a comprehensive approach that improves access to mental health services, closes loopholes in background check requirements, and bans military-style and excessively violent assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.   

“Today, the President offered an initial plan to reduce and prevent gun violence through executive actions.  It is now Congress’ turn to act to create lasting reforms that keep our communities safe.  As part of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I will work with my colleagues to review the President’s plan, as well as other proposals, to put policies in place that protect our children and communities while maintaining the rights granted by the Second Amendment.“

Congressman Smith Statement on Fairchild AFB as Finalist for KC-46A

January 9, 2013

Today, the Air Force announced that Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State is a final candidate to serve as a base for the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.  The base is a candidate for the first Main Operating Base, which will host three KC-46A squadrons of twelve aircraft each beginning in 2016.  House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the announcement:

“I am pleased to see Fairchild Air Force Base included in the list of final candidates to host KC-46A,” Smith said. “Fairchild has played a critical part in our nation’s aerial refueling effort with the KC-135, and it is my hope that it will continue to do so with the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.”

After identifying the basing criteria in April 2012, the Air Force examined military installations across the country to select the candidates for the first two operational bases for KC-46A.  In addition to Fairchild Air Force Base, the other candidates for the first Main Operating Base announced by the Air Force include Altus Air Force Base, OK; Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND; and McConnell Air Force Base, KS. The Air Force will conduct site surveys of the candidate installations before announcing the preferred and alternative bases in April 2013. A final basing decision is expected to be made by the Air Force in Spring 2014.

On May 16, 2012, Congressman Smith signed a letter with local Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and the rest of the Washington State Congressional Delegation to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, encouraging the Air Force to base KC-46A at Fairchild. The letter detailed Fairchild’s capacity to accommodate the tanker and its success with previous aerial refueling efforts.
« First < Prev Next > Last »