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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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Smith’s Statement on KC-X Source Selection Announcement

February 24, 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 the Department of Defense has selected a provider for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Tanker:

“I am pleased that the Air Force has selected Boeing’s proposal to replace the aging fleet of aerial refueling tankers. After numerous delays, today’s announcement moves us closer to meeting the Air Force’s top acquisition priority.

“In a time when our nation is recovering from an economic crisis, today’s announcement by the Department of Defense is a huge boost to Washington State. A Washington State-made tanker will support more than 11,000 jobs in state and 50,000 jobs across the country.

“I know that the men and women at the Boeing Company will provide the warfighter with a high quality product to meet their mission requirements and I look forward to working with the Air Force as we move forward.”

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