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Smith: Government must pave way for innovative entrepreneurship to thrive

March 18, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on participating in the Washington Innovation Summit’s panel, “How Washington Wins: Pulling Together the Drivers of Growth,” at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond:

“The pressures of competition from the international marketplace are greater than ever, and America’s continued economic success requires us to remain a leading force for innovation on the world stage. Today, I am pleased to participate in the Washington Innovation Summit along with local business and technology leaders whose pioneering work has placed the Pacific Northwest at the center of the New Economy. Our region provides a model for how the U.S. will succeed in the 21st century: Innovation driving entrepreneurship, moving industry in new directions, and setting the bar high for global competitors to follow.
 
“Policymakers must remember that government cannot create the spark of ingenuity for a new product, nor the drive to see that idea through to a fully-realized business venture. However we do have the responsibility to foster an environment that encourages new enterprises and helps businesses of the future flourish. This effort includes educating a world-class workforce, rewarding innovation, deploying and improving cutting-edge infrastructure, and balancing federal budgets—overall, setting the stage for successful entrepreneurship and growth.
 
“The South Puget Sound region has attracted many new high wage, high-tech jobs, especially in the fields of scientific innovation and security advancements. I am proud of the businesses and people of the South Sound whose accomplishments in biotech, aerospace, and green technologies demonstrate the advantages of doing business in our community, and I am always looking for any way I can help them succeed.
 
“America’s economy is continuing to become more global, dynamic and technology-driven. While governments don’t create commerce, they certainly enact policies that make it easier or more difficult for economies to thrive. Policy and business leaders must work together to advance the competitiveness of U.S. products, spur innovation, and provide global leadership into the 21st century.”

HASC: Smith’s Statement Following President’s Remarks on Libya

March 18, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the President’s speech this afternoon on the developing situation in Libya:

“I am deeply concerned about the developing situation in Libya. As we have all witnessed, Gadhafi has pursued a brutal campaign of violence and intimidation against the Libyan people. This must come to an end.

“These heinous actions must continue to be met with international condemnation and a multilateral response. In this light, I applaud the United Nations for building on previous actions and coming together to put forth a resolution to pressure Gadhafi to end hostilities. This resolution builds on previous sanctions and applies substantial pressure on the Gadhafi regime to end its brutal assault on the Libyan people.

“Moving forward, it is important that Congress plays a substantial role in any decision that might lead to action by the United States military. Committing U.S. troops to a conflict abroad is not a decision that should be made lightly. At this point in time, it is unclear how or if the President intends to utilize US military force, but it will be critical for the administration to keep Congress closely informed as it makes those decisions.”

“Again, we are all deeply concerned about the developing situation in Libya and hope to see a positive outcome. However, any use of U.S. military force will come with consequences and I urge the administration to seek Congressional input as they move forward with any plans to use U.S. military force.”

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More information about the House Armed Services Committee

Smith statement on Japanese earthquake and tsunami response

March 11, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and wave surge that struck Japan Friday:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan who have been impacted by today’s devastating earthquake and subsequent massive tsunami.

As Pacific Northwesterners, we understand the dangers of seismic activity, and our hearts go out to Japan’s residents and the many American families living and working there.

We are thankful that the resulting waves hitting Hawaii and the Washington coast have resulted in minimal damage.

The Department of State is offering help for U.S. citizens in Japan. Click here for more information.

 

Smith's statement on "Radicalization of American Muslim Community" hearing

March 10, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to today’s House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response”:
 
“We must recognize that Muslim Americans are key partners, not adversaries, in our efforts to combat global terror and strengthen our national security.
 
“We face a serious challenge, both at home and abroad, to stop extremist groups who want to do Americans harm and threaten our way of life. But, in pursuing methods to thwart terror, Congress must be sure to accomplish these goals while protecting the crucial civil liberties that have defined our nation for centuries.
 
“As a former member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and current House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, I have worked with counter-radicalization experts to better understand what leads people to adopt extremist, violent ideologies, and to prevent these individuals from acting on their beliefs. Defeating extremist propaganda requires a careful approach to these issues, including working with the American Muslim community to identify threats.
 
“The tone of today’s hearings in the Committee on Homeland Security was counter-productive to the broader goal of defeating al-Qaida and other extremist groups worldwide.”

Smith's Statement on EADS Appeal Announcement

March 4, 2011

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that EADS will not appeal the Department of Defense’s decision to award the KC-46A Aerial Refueling Tanker contract to The Boeing Company:
 
“This is a step forward in America's military readiness. Last week’s decision to award the $35 billion tanker contract to Boeing secured a key acquisition priority for the Air Force, and today solidifies a big win for the national security needs of our nation.
 
“I am pleased to hear that this important contract award will not be subject to an appeal. This gives Boeing the green-light to begin delivering on building the KC-46A, creating 11,000 Washington jobs as well as 50,000 nationwide.
 
“The Pentagon has scrupulously applied its rules to this competition, taking into account mission effectiveness and life cycle costs, including fuel efficiency and military construction costs, when choosing the Boeing bid. I am confident that the men and women of the Boeing Company will be able to deliver a quality aircraft that meets our warfighters’ requirements, and look forward to seeing the first KC-46A go into service in the years ahead.
 
“Our warfighters have needed this tanker replacement for almost a decade, and I am pleased to see the process coming to a close with a favorable outcome for The Boeing Company and aerospace jobs in Washington.”

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