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Statement on Anniversary of Lakewood Police Officers Shooting

November 29, 2010

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in reflection of the shooting which killed four Lakewood Police Officers a year ago:

“One year ago today, four Lakewood Police Officers were the target of a heinous, senseless crime. As we reflect on this tragic day, let us honor and remember their sacrifice and service. These valiant officers lost their lives working to keep our communities safe and they will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers also continue to be with their friends, family and loved ones. 

“The horrific murder of these officers, committed by a criminal originating from a state hundreds of miles away, is a vivid reminder of the risks our police officers face each and every day. While there is nothing we can do to bring them back, we can honor their loss by working to help prevent an act like this from occurring again.

“In the days and months since that dreadful day, we have not only mourned with gatherings and vigils, but also with action to help prevent this sort of tragedy from happening again. Earlier this year, the Interstate Commission for Adult Offenders Supervision, the body that governs the release and supervision of convicted felons across state lines, adopted changes to the compact between states that will help prevent similar tragedies from happening again. 

“I will continue to do what I can to protect and support the men and women who work to keep our families and our communities safe.”

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Smith Statement on North Korea’s Artillery Attack Against South Korea

November 23, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, released the following statement in response North Korea’s artillery attack on South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island: 
 
“This reckless behavior displayed by North Korea is an unacceptable act of aggression against South Korea, a long-standing ally of the United States. I am concerned about the threat not only for the citizens of South Korea but also for U.S. military personnel stationed on the Korean Peninsula.
 
“I join my colleagues and the Administration in strongly condemning the actions of the North Korean military. These hostile actions by the North Korean regime are the latest in a series of belligerent nuclear ambitions and military actions that have escalated tensions in the region and cannot continue.  
 
“The United States is committed to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Additional escalation of hostilities between North and South Korea is not in the interest of either country, the United States or the international community. I urge all parties to practice restraint and focus on defusing this situation. “

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Smith Encourages Local Business to Participate in India Trade Mission

November 18, 2010

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced that he will lead a high-tech trade mission to India early next year. The mission is designed to help U.S. companies enter the Indian market or build on existing operations.  It will highlight export opportunities for a range of sectors including specialized materials, aerospace, information and communication technologies among others. Given the high-quality products available from the Puget Sound Region, Congressman Smith strongly encourages local businesses and business leaders to apply to participate in this trade mission. 
 
“India’s market is one of the fastest growing in the world and the growth is projected to continue.  At the same time, the U.S.-India trade relationship is becoming increasingly important for American exporters.  I encourage all eligible local business leaders and companies to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “As our region looks to recover and create jobs, we must take advantage of every opportunity. The Puget Sound Region is particularly strong in products from sectors such as technology and civil aviation that India desires. We should seek to build a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship with India as well as other growing economies throughout Asia.” 
 
The business development trip will take place February 6 through 11, 2011 and will travel to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.  Participating firms and business leaders will join the Secretary and export financing agency officials to promote U.S. exports in a broad range of advanced industrial sectors, including civil-nuclear trade, defense and security, civil aviation, and information and communications technology.  For more information, visit: www.trade.gov/IndiaMission2011. The deadline to apply is November, 30 2010. 
 
The U.S.-India trade relationship continues to grow in strength.  From 2002 to 2009, U.S. goods exports to India quadrupled, growing from $4.1 billion to $16.4 billion.  U.S. exports to India through the first eight months of this year are up 17.5% and are on target to reach an all-time high of $19 billion.  Trade in advanced technologies – the focus of Secretary Locke’s upcoming trade mission to India – was a key driver in much of this growth.  

Smith’s Statement in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:

“On Veterans Day, we remember those who put country above themselves. We remember the service of millions of Americans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Without their service, our nation would not be safe from those who wish to do us harm – and today we express our deep gratitude for that service. 

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember that our veterans need and deserve our committed support. We must always remember that even after they step out of their uniforms and put down their weapons, many of our veterans are still in harms way. Many continue to face enormous challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other lasting effects from their service. On Veterans Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources and support necessary to address the issues affecting our veterans’ community. 

“I will continue to be an advocate for the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces as well as their families.” 

Smith Applauds Changes to Interstate Compact Rules

October 15, 2010

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), who co-authored a pair of bills designed to address the deficiencies in the interstate compact system that governs the release and supervision of convicted felons across state lines, praised the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision for adopting changes that will enhance public safety. 

In light of the Lakewood Police Officer Shootings last year, Smith and other local lawmakers have been pushing hard for these rule changes, which were proposed by the Washington State Department of Corrections. In addition to the legislation, Smith sent a letter earlier this year encouraging the commission to act on Washington State’s recommendations. 

“The tragic shooting of four police officers in Lakewood last November clearly demonstrated the need to change how states interact in regard to out-of-state felons,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “Our local law enforcement agencies do a tremendous job keeping our communities safe, and we must do what we can to protect them and provide them with the information and tools they need to do their job. These rule changes help to do just that.”

The rule changes provide states that receive offenders more authority to send them back if they pose a significant risk to public safety. It also provides states with more complete criminal histories before agreeing to supervise offenders from other states. These rule changes will take effect on March 1, 2011. 

“As a former prosecutor, I understand how access to information and resources can protect and greatly improve the effectiveness of our law enforcement officials,” continued Smith. “These rule changes are good for public safely and are good for our law enforcement officials.” 

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