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Smith Statement on Washington’s Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Award

December 16, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement after Secretary Arne Duncan and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Washington State was awarded a Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant that will provide up to $60 million to fund its early childhood education programs:

“I congratulate leaders from the Washington State Department of Early Learning on this incredible achievement. A high-quality early childhood education is the foundation for a successful future and is paramount to building stronger communities and a strong economy. This was a competitive process, and to be chosen from 35 applicants around the country speaks to the quality of their ideas and commitment to the students they serve.

“I applaud Washington’s education leaders on this accomplishment and look forward to the implementation of these programs and working towards their success.”
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Smith Statement on House Passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill

December 16, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), made the following statement following House passage of the omnibus bill funding the federal government through FY 2012:

“Congress should be able to move forward in deciding how our nation will fund its priorities on schedule, without waiting until the last minute and continually risking a government shutdown. I’m glad that after almost three months of delays we were able to pass a bipartisan, long-term spending bill that eliminates uncertainty about federal employees’ jobs and the many important services Americans rely on the federal government to provide.

“While this bill funds the government through the remainder of fiscal year 2012, it is not perfect. We continue to face serious economic challenges and are required to make tough decisions that will help get our country back on track. However, this bill does ensure our military personnel have the resources needed to maintain national security and provides our agencies the funding needed to continue the functions that keep our country up and running.

“I hope in the new legislative year we’ll carry forward the bipartisan compromise we saw in crafting and passing this legislation and focus on addressing the many important challenges facing our nation.”

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Smith Statement on $25 million in U.S. Department of Transportation Grants to Fund I-5 and South Link Lightrail Projects

December 15, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Col. Tommy Brittain, Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson made the following statements after U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $15 million TIGER III grant to fund the I-5 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Area Congestion Management Project and a $10 million TIGER III grant to fund the South Link Lightrail Extension Project:

"Helping secure funds for projects that improve transportation throughout our region is one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Smith. “These grants will help alleviate traffic for military personnel and communities around the JBLM corridor and save commuters time and money. They will also improve freight traffic, benefiting our local economy while adding hundreds of jobs to our region. These are significant wins for our district and I thank Congressman Dicks, along with Senators Cantwell and Murray for their longstanding support.”

"We're grateful for the efforts of everyone involved to address the growing traffic congestion that has affect JBLM and our neighboring communities,” said Col. Tommy Brittain. “We have worked very closely with local communities, regional and state agencies, and federal and state legislators, to develop strategies that mitigate the congestion brought about by growth in Pierce and Thurston Counties, as well as our growth here at JBLM. This grant is yet another indicator of the positive, cooperative relationship we enjoy with our neighbors, and we look forward to continuing to work together to find solutions to regional challenges."

"A true partnership is bringing about transportation improvements in the JBLM corridor," said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. "Our state delegation in D.C. helped win these federal dollars, and we have partners at the base and in Pierce County and local cities. With this grant money, we can make transportation investments in this critical corridor that will have an immediate impact on reducing some of the congestion."

"The South Link Project provides South County residents increased mobility to get to and from work, helps protect the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, and provides huge opportunities for economic development around the station area,” said Sound Transit Board and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson. “I offer my congratulations to all our partners in this effort."
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Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on End of Iraq War

December 15, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the conclusion of the Iraq War:

“I am pleased to see that President Obama has followed through on his pledge to responsibly redeploy United States combat forces from Iraq by the end of the year. Over the last 8 years, our troops have done a tremendous job protecting U.S. national security and supporting the Iraqi people as they seek to establish a stable, prosperous nation. I want to applaud our troops for their hard work and thank them for their sacrifice. 

“The United States is concluding a long, difficult conflict in Iraq and this announcement initiates a new chapter in U.S-Iraqi relations. Iraq is a newly emerging democracy, and there will be tough times ahead, but we will continue to work with our partners in the region and through our diplomatic resources to support the Iraqi people as they transition from a period of conflict, to a period of peace.

“Over the last few years, we have witnessed the removal of multiple terrorist leaders, including Osama Bin Laden and the disposal of a tyrant in Libya. The concluding of this conflict continues to build on the Administration’s foreign policy successes and I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration as we work to ensure U.S. national security. ”

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Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

December 14, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act:

“Today marks another milestone in our work to support the men and women of our Armed Services and I want to thank Chairman McKeon, all members of the committee and staff for their hard work and commitment to bipartisanship. Producing this bill has been a truly bipartisan effort. I also would like to thank all of my colleagues in the House for the work they put into creating this piece of legislation.

“Overall, this bill prioritizes our troops deployed in Afghanistan, and around the world by ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to do their job and protect national security. It also provides our troops and their families with the benefits and support that they deserve, including a 1.6 percent pay increase.

“It continues to make counterterrorism a priority and makes significant investments in all branches of our Armed Services, ensuring that our military is prepared to meet the threats of today as well as the future. It supports our troops as they continue to fight overseas, invests in new technologies for the future, and protects vital military equipment production capacity here at home.”

Provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act include:
  • $519 million for military construction projects in Washington State
  • 1.6 percent pay increase for troops
  • $1.683 billion for military family housing
  • Required enhancements to psychological health, military suicide prevention and post-suicide response programs
  • Significant enhancements to Department of Defense sexual assault and harassment policies
  • Six year reauthorization of the Small business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer

Download the National Defense Authorization Act conference report.

Download the National Defense Authorization Act conference report summary.

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