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Smith Statement on JBLM Helicopter Crash

December 13, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today following the announcement of the OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopter crash at Joint Base Lewis-McChord:

 "I extend my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the soldiers who died in this tragic accident at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. While the circumstances surrounding this horrible accident are still unclear, we are certain this is a sad day for their families and for our entire community.

 “Our servicemen and women take significant risks while training and serving abroad. I will work with officials to investigate what happened during this training mission, and to determine ways we can prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again.

 “I express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the soldiers. Nothing can replace their service and their sacrifice.”

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Smith Reintroduces Bill to Improve Freight Mobility Infrastructure and Transportation

December 8, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today reintroduced the National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Act, H.R. 3607, that will ensure federal support for the national freight mobility network and critical freight infrastructure and transportation improvements throughout the United States.

“America’s freight transportation system is a national asset and critical to our productivity and global competitiveness,” said Rep. Smith. “Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that the volume of domestic freight will double while international freight will triple. This bill ensures our freight and transportation infrastructure remains competitive and strengthens economic growth.”

This legislation creates the Freight Mobility Infrastructure Improvement Program within the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide long-term financing for critical infrastructure improvement goals. Through it, states, ports and regional transportation authorities would work in collaboration with non-governmental stakeholders and freight transportation industry entities to identify high-priority projects and apply for funds. The Secretary of Transportation would then competitively award grants based upon a project’s impact on freight mobility improvement, cost effectiveness, and regional/national economic impact. 

“Our multimodal freight transportation system is a national asset that we have failed to appreciate and support. Nowhere is this need more pressing than in the freight system that provides for our nation’s commerce,” said Port of Tacoma Commissioner Don Meyer.  “Without strategic corridor investments to expand capacity and increase efficiency, U.S. productivity and global competitiveness will suffer, costs will increase and investment will lag. We applaud Congressman Smith’s efforts to make this vision of strategic freight mobility a reality.”

Funds for this program would be generated by a freight-specific user fee and deposited into a newly-created National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund exclusively dedicated to supporting freight mobility projects. The fee would be imposed at a rate of one percent on the fair market value of multi-modal ground transportation costs, with a few exceptions for federal, state and local government transportation, and transport within a local geographic area.

“We applaud Congressman Smith for recognizing the importance of freight infrastructure and the need to support it with a responsible freight user fee,” said Leslie Blakely, executive director of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors. “Our national freight system needs significant investment for our manufacturers, producers and consumers to compete in the world marketplace. This legislation will help build the needed infrastructure while fairly spreading the burden among system users.”

For more information on Congressman Smith’s support of national transportation and infrastructure improvements, visit https://adamsmith.house.gov.

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Smith Statement on Last Charter Aircraft of JBLM Soldiers Returning from Iraq

December 6, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today celebrating the final charter aircraft with Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldiers from the 17th Fires Brigade and the 62nd Medical Brigade returning from Iraq:

“I am pleased to welcome the final large group of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldiers home from Iraq today. This is a proud day for the Soldiers, their families, our community and our country.

“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. These brave men and women represent the best our country has to offer. We are grateful for their service, and welcome them home.”

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Smith Statement on the $19.7 Million Award from U.S. Dept. of Treasury to Launch the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative

December 5, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today after Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced a $19.7 million award from the U.S. Department of Treasury to launch the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative:

"The Washington Small Business Credit Initiative will catalyze economic growth and facilitate private sector job creation in our area. It is more important now than ever that we support small businesses that have had trouble securing capital needed to launch and sustain innovative ideas. For every dollar we invest, $15 to $18 private dollars will be generated, resulting in more than $300 million in our local economy by 2016.

"This investment will provide current and potential small business owners a significant boost, helping them overcome some of the challenges they face as entrepreneurs seeking new sources of funding in difficult economic times.

"I’m proud that Washington State was chosen as a recipient of this award. As small businesses are the backbone of a healthy local and national economy, this is a critical investment that will benefit us all."
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Smith Statement on the Boeing Company and International Association of Machinists Announcement

November 30, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today after the Boeing Company and the International Association of Machinists announced they intend to build the new 737 MAX in Renton, Wash.:

“I am pleased that Boeing and the International Association of Machinists have come to an agreement to build the new 737 MAX in Boeing’s Renton, Washington plant pending ratification of a labor agreement. Boeing’s intent to build Next-Generation 737s and the 737 MAXs in the Renton facility is great news for the Puget Sound Region.737 MAX production in Renton would guarantee employment for thousands of workers and provide a much needed boost to the local economy.

“I applaud the effort that Boeing and IAM have put into securing an early agreement to ensure the Puget Sound Region remains a leader in aerospace manufacturing.”

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