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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.”

Smith statement on Labor Day 2011

September 5, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on Labor Day 2011:

On Labor Day, we honor the American worker, the engine of our economy, and our most important resource. It is also time to remember the important role labor unions and collective bargaining rights have historically played in supporting our nation’s workers and shaping the backbone of America’s strong middle class.

However, today, the U.S. job market is stalling and many of our friends and neighbors are unemployed or underemployed. I believe it is more important than ever that we help people achieve their American dream by supporting family-wage jobs and fighting for opportunities like education and workforce training. It is vital that we continue to invest in the American worker and help them succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

As we confront our current fiscal challenges, we must keep in mind the American values of broad-based prosperity and economic opportunity for all. We need a balanced, long-term approach to getting our economy back on track that will spur job growth while protecting programs that support our working-class.

Smith statement on verdict in Jason Puracal trial

August 30, 2011

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the verdict in the Jason Puracal trial in Nicaragua:

“Jason Puracal has been taken away from his wife and son for nearly nine months and put on trial for drug trafficking and money laundering.

"Unfortunately, last night, Jason was convicted of all counts against him in a flawed Nicaraguan justice system. I was hoping for a better outcome for Jason and his family.

"Going forward, my office will continue to advocate for Jason as an American citizen and work with the State Department to explore all options under international law.”
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