Press Releases

Recently, Congressman George Miller introduced H.R. 6591, the Streamlining and Improving Methods at Polling Locations and Early (SIMPLE) Voting Act, which requires early voting in all states for a minimum of 15 days prior to federal election days.  15 states currently have no forms of early voting.

This legislation would also require that states have the necessary resources to ensure that all precincts are prepared to accommodate anticipated voter turnout and that no one has to wait for more than one hour to vote.

“I thank Representative George Miller for introducing this important legislation that reduces wait time at the polls, requires states to hold early voting, and ensures that all voters have easier opportunities to vote,” said Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09).  “The long lines and hours of waiting to vote in the 2012 election were unacceptable.   Although this bill does not fix all of the problems with our voting system, it goes a long way to ensure that Americans with unexpected emergencies, illnesses, and demanding work schedules have ample opportunities to exercise their right to vote.”

Along with requiring each state to provide a minimum of 15 days of early voting and requiring each voting precinct to have the necessary amount of voting machines, poll workers, and other resources, the proposed SIMPLE Voting Act would also require states to have a contingency plan in the case of long lines forming.

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."

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.

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."

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.