News

Press Releases

Smith applauds movement on Colombia Free Trade Agreement

April 6, 2011

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the announcement that a deal has been reached between Colombia and the United States on key reforms that will advance the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement:

“I am pleased to see the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement taking a large step forward today. Now more than ever we must work with our allies to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships that will provide access to emerging markets for American exports and encourage job growth at home.

“I applaud the Obama Administration’s work with the Santos government to address serious labor and human rights concerns for Colombian workers. In addition to the enforceable labor standards included in the underlying agreement, the deal announced today requires immediate, concrete steps and resources to address violence against Colombian trade unionists and human rights activists, strengthen workers’ rights, and improve the rule of law. These reforms will remain a priority as we continue to deepen bilateral ties, and I believe such protections will be more swiftly accomplished through engagement rather than inaction.

“The Santos Administration is our ally and partner in South America, supportive of U.S. interests both regionally and globally.  They have been crucial in tackling instability in developing countries. Colombia’s experience confronting insurgencies and organized crime has improved similar needs in Mexico, Afghanistan, and across Central America. Continued dialogue and collaboration between our governments will improve security and ultimately make Americans safer.

“At home, the export-driven economy of Washington’s South Sound stands to gain from decreased tariffs and greater market share as more U.S. goods reach the growing market of 45 million Colombian consumers. I will continue to work with the Obama Administration to ensure a trade agreement that increases the competitiveness of American exports and creates good jobs in the U.S., while remaining vigilant about promoting American values of equality and workers’ rights worldwide.”

Smith response to WTO ruling on the EU’s claim of illegal U.S. subsidies to Boeing

March 31, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement about the World Trade Organization’s final report on the European Union’s claims of illegal subsidies to Boeing:
 
“I am pleased to see the World Trade Organization (WTO) confirming its prior interim ruling that the European Union vastly exaggerated its illegal subsidies claims against Boeing. This $2.7 billion WTO decision against the U.S. is only a fraction of the nearly $19 billion the E.U. had originally claimed, and nothing compared to the massive financial support Airbus has benefitted from in Europe for the past four decades.
 
“It became clear, after last June’s staggering $20 billion ruling, that the European Union’s ‘launch aid’ loans to Airbus far surpass any U.S. government support for Boeing’s programs. Indeed, the June WTO report asserted that Airbus would have a significantly weaker manufacturing share without Europe’s illegal subsidies, which distorted the market and cost thousands of American aerospace jobs.
 
“The United States Trade Representative is expected to appeal the findings from today’s final report, and the full extent of the ruling’s impact on Washington State is yet to be determined. However I am encouraged that the WTO has provided further verification that the playing field was uneven, and I applaud Boeing for committing to whatever steps are necessary to fulfill its WTO obligation, once the appeal process concludes.”
 

Smith welcomes new Combat Aviation Brigade for Joint Base Lewis-McChord

March 29, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Army’s plan to form a new Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a decision that will bring 1,400 new soldiers and 44 new helicopters to JBLM:

“The addition of 1,400 soldiers and 44 helicopters to Joint Base Lewis-McChord is terrific news for the South Sound and Washington State. It’s an honor for our community to become the home of another important military asset, and we will continue to see the benefits of job and business growth for years to come.

“The Army has carefully studied this issue and their decision to consolidate existing aviation units and establish a Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord affirms the strategic importance of the base. No other joint base in the nation sustains an operational force of this range and size.

“As the largest employer in Pierce County, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a key economic engine for the South Sound. The stationing of this aviation unit will be another gain for businesses that serve the region, providing new opportunities for civilian job growth as well as additional military personnel.

“The population of the Joint Base has undergone rapid growth since 2003, when then-Fort Lewis supported 19,000 military members. Today the Joint Base includes over 43,000 military personnel. As more families settle into the JBLM community, I remain committed to working with the joint base, as well as state and local officials, at addressing the pressing infrastructure needs both on and off base.

“I would like to personally welcome the 1,400 new soldiers and families who will soon be calling the Pacific Northwest home.”

# # #

(Please note: The Army’s Record of Decision will be in the federal register March 31, 2011).

HASC: Rep. Adam Smith’s Statement on President’s Speech on Libya

March 28, 2011

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the President’s speech this evening on the international effort to prevent an international crisis in Libya:

"Tonight, the President clearly articulated his rationale for leading an international effort to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Libya. As Colonel Gadhafi moved forward with his campaign of violence and intimidation against the Libya people, the Administration rallied the international community to intervene. Today, it is clear that our subsequent military action prevented the slaughter thousands of civilians.

"Building on this speech, the Administration will send a number of key officials to Congress this week to continue to communicate what the goal is in Libya. While initially I had some concerns with the level of communication between the Administration, Congress and the American people, I applaud the Administration for its recent efforts. The President and his leadership team have clearly stated to the American people and Congress what the goal is in Libya. This must continue.

"The President has also said that he does not intend to use military force to remove Gadhafi from power, but he will pursue diplomatic and economic measures to help pressure Gadhafi to step down. This is the right approach. While it is important that Gadhafi leave power, I believe the combination of diplomatic and economic pressure, coupled with the no fly zone, is the best way to make this happen.

"I applaud the President for stating a clear case as to why we intervened in Libya and as policy makers it is important that we make it clear what the criteria are for interventions of this kind moving forward.

"It is also important to note that many who urged the Administration to act, are now criticizing the Administration for its actions. While the Administration could have done a better job of working with Congress in the days prior to taking action, it is clear that U.S. leadership prevented this humanitarian crisis from getting worse and saved thousands of lives. As a nation, that is something we should be proud of."

# # #

More information about the House Armed Services Committee

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.”

« First < Prev Next > Last »