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Smith welcomes official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

September 19, 2011

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on tomorrow’s official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:

“I applaud President Obama for fulfilling his promise to repeal the discriminatory “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy and allow individuals to openly and honestly serve and protect the nation they love, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a welcomed change that puts government policy in line with the values of our country.

“For almost 20 years, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has undermined the readiness of our military. This unwise and harmful policy has forced thousands of capable brave men and women, who are only too eager to serve the nation, out of our Armed Forces at a time when our nation needed them most.

“No longer will capable and dedicated Americans need to hide who they are to serve the country they love.”

Smith statement on National Hispanic Heritage Month 2011

September 15, 2011

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, recognized the contributions of Hispanic Americans for National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th):

“Hispanic Americans have made outstanding contributions in business, education, the military, government, and the arts.

“Today, Hispanic-owned businesses are growing our economy and creating jobs.  As the largest ethnic minority in our country, Hispanic men and women serve honorably in our military and have sacrificed for the freedoms all Americans enjoy.  The rich Hispanic culture continues to have a strong influence on the nation especially in the academic and arts communities.

“Unfortunately, unemployment rates among Hispanic Americans are disproportionately high.  Enhancing education, including programs for our growing English-learning population and job training, is a path to family-wage employment and economic success. We must also prioritize keeping kids in school, raise high school graduation rates, and provide opportunities for affordable higher education, which is why I have been a longtime supporter of our region’s Community and Technical Colleges.

“While hailing from many different backgrounds, Hispanic Americans hold the same values of family, civic engagement, and pride in hard work that tie our country together. I am proud to represent the strong community of Hispanic men and women who make up a vital part of the fabric of the South Sound.”

Statement on funding extension for FAA and Surface Transportation Programs

September 13, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after passage of H.R. 2887, the Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011:

“I support the passage of this bill to avoid a repeat of the harmful August Federal Aviation Administration shutdown that cost 4,000 federal employees and 70,000 construction workers part of their paychecks.

“Extending funding for Surface Transportation programs will also mean needed upgrades to America’s roads and bridges, infrastructure projects that will create jobs now.

“However this is still only a short-term solution, buying us a few more months before the same debate returns. It is time to remove political obstacles and pass a long-term bill.

“Congress must act to pass a long-term extension that fully funds the air and surface transportation needs of our country.  This action is a critical piece of improving our economy for both the short and long term."

 

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Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Anniversary of September 11th

September 9, 2011

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement in observance of the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attack:

“This Sunday, we will observe the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This was a tragic day in American history that changed the world in a substantial way.

“First and foremost, on this important anniversary we must remember and honor those who perished. The innocent Americans who died that day will forever be in our memory. The brave first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line - and in many cases gave their lives - to save their fellow Americans will never be forgotten.  As we remember this sad day in our nation’s history, our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of those who lost their lives.

“We must also use this anniversary as a reminder that terrorists continue to plot and plan attacks against our nation. The brave men and women of our Armed Forces have made an enormous amount of progress in securing our country, but the threat remains and we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to protect our nation.

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For more information, please visit the House Armed Services Committee Democrats website.

Smith statement on President Obama’s Jobs Speech

September 8, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress presenting “The American Jobs Act”:

"America’s economy is stalling. The collapse of our financial system starting in 2007 was a significant blow that the country has yet to recover from. We are now confronting twin challenges of reducing our massive federal debt while encouraging economic growth and job creation. Action is necessary to free up investment and expand the job market on the short term and to begin to achieve the long-term goal of balancing the budget.

“I believe improving our national infrastructure is essential, and I was encouraged by the President’s proposal tonight. Federal investment in workforce training, transportation, education, and energy will support living wage jobs now and make sure we are equipped to compete and succeed in the global economy of the future.

“Implementing a tax credit for companies that hire America’s veterans would be a promising step. Our returning warfighters are equipped with a variety of technical skills that are not always immediately recognized by the private sector. After sacrificing for the security of all Americans, these men and women should be rewarded with a chance at a successful civilian career for themselves and their families.

“Closing corporate tax loopholes as part of the offset for this jobs plan also makes sense, and I give the President credit for looking at the revenue side of the budget equation in this proposal. Addressing the long-term debt crisis through a balance of responsible spending cuts and revenue increases is the direction we need to be moving in.

“Unfortunately, we still need to go further to address the larger problem inhibiting job growth in America today: Instability and lack of trust in our economic system. Investors are understandably wary after years of short-sighted, unpredictable policy governing the U.S. tax code, interest rates, and spending proposals. As a result, private capital sits on the sidelines, at a time when we desperately need businesses and individuals to hire and spend.

“I believe we need a 10-year, comprehensive budget plan that would return predictability to the marketplace. Simplifying the tax code and setting out a responsible, long-term financial framework would restore confidence and free up private-sector investment to return to the economy, expand businesses, and create jobs.

“The focus of recovery should be getting people back to work. Responsible federal policies that keep our fiscal house in order, investment in infrastructure, and removing barriers to private capital investment can work together to achieve this.”
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