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Ranking Member Adam Smith Reacts to the Conflict in Israel, Gaza

November 17, 2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Militants in Gaza:

"I strongly condemn the relentless rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.  The random targeting of civilian populations is something that should never be tolerated and Israel has the absolute right to defend itself.

"The Israeli people have never known peace and stability and generations have grown up in a culture of warfare, fear, and terror.  For these reasons it is critical that we support Israel and do everything we can to ensure Israel can defend itself.

"I am also sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians - the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is extremely troubling, but it cannot be resolved as long as Hamas and others in Gaza continue to attack Israel."

Smith Praises Expansion of Sea-Tac Airport Services to Tokyo

November 16, 2012

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation announced preliminary approval for Delta Airlines, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, to provide service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to Tokyo’s downtown Haneda Airport.  This new flight will greatly benefit Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region by linking it with key markets in Japan and Asia

“I am thrilled that the Department of Transportation chose Delta Airlines, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, to operate a daily flight from Sea-Tac Airport to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport,”  Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) said.  “Home to many international businesses with a growing presence in Japan, this decision will bring the Pacific Northwest its first direct access to Tokyo’s Haneda airport.  Expanding service to Haneda promotes economic growth and job creation among Washington state businesses, and also eases travel for Washingtonians by providing direct flights.”

With an estimated 114,000 annual Seattle-Tokyo passengers that will benefit from this flight, as well as 40 cities that will now receive connecting service to Haneda through Delta and Alaska Airlines in Sea-Tac, this service will likely add to the $24 billion worth of trade between Japan and Seattle in 2011. 

The Haneda flight will operate using a Boeing 767-300ER and is scheduled to begin service in March 2013.

Smith Statement on Veterans Day

November 10, 2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:

"In observance of Veterans Day, it is important to remember the sacrifice so many brave men and women have made to protect our country and ensure our freedom.

"As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Congressman from Washington State's 9th District, it is my privilege to represent our service members in Congress.  We owe the men and women who have served our country an enormous amount of gratitude and respect.  As a Member of Congress who represents thousands of active and retired service members, I will continue working to address the needs of our veterans, and for those newly leaving active duty, to ensure they have the support necessary for their transition back to civilian life.

"As a fierce advocate for veterans, I will continue to push for the expansion of job and educational opportunities.  Moving forward, I will also continue to work with the President and all Members of Congress to provide all our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families with all the benefits they deserve for their years of faithful service."

Congressman Adam Smith Accepting Academy Nomination Applications

November 9, 2012

Every year, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) nominates individuals from Washington’s 9th Congressional District to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.  Congressman Smith announced that he will be accepting applications through 5pm PST, Monday, November 26, 2012.

“Every year, I have the privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women from the 9th Congressional District in Washington State to the U.S. military academies,” Smith said.  “Each academy offers students unique leadership opportunities and an outstanding education.”

To apply for an nomination, a candidate must live in Washington’s current Ninth Congressional District, be between 17 and 23 years old, and be unmarried.  Applicants whose parents are temporarily stationed at a military base but maintain legal residence in another state should apply to the congressional office from that district.

Each applicant must submit a completed nomination package to the district office in Tacoma by 5pm PST on November 26, 2012.  For further information and a link to the application, please visit the Congressman’s Service Academy Nominations page.

 

Smith Statement on Reforming Immigration Policy

November 7, 2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on immigration reform:

“Immigration has been one of the great strengths of our nation.  Skilled workers, bright minds, and dedicated individuals, and families from all over the world have come to our country because they see opportunity and a chance for a better life.  The talent and hard work of those individuals has helped grow our economy and strengthen our nation. 

“As we work to reform our immigration system, we must look to improve all aspects of it, including maintaining our national security priorities, making it more efficient for those trying to come here legally, and keeping families together.  The time is now to comprehensively address our greater immigration system and create a more streamlined process.  The piecemeal approach to fixing our immigration policy has not provided the structure our country needs. 

“Immigration reform will require a deep, bipartisan commitment.  I am eager to work with organizations and communities in my district and Washington State, as well as my colleagues in Congress to ensure we reform our immigration system into one that reflects our nation's values.”
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