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Smith Criticizes Voter ID Measure

September 20, 2006

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) issued the following statement on H.R. 4484, the Republican Voter ID bill, which the House of Representatives will vote on today:

“Congress should remove barriers between citizens and the polls, not erect new ones,” Smith said.  “This legislation will needlessly prevent many married women, minorities, Katrina victims, low-income people, rural residents and elderly citizens from voting.  These people are less likely to have the kind of identification this bill would require and would therefore be prevented from casting a ballot.

“We cannot disenfranchise people under the guise of making sure they are eligible to vote.  If this bill becomes law, many otherwise eligible voters will be denied their most basic constitutional right.”

Smith, Congress Honor Filipino World War II Veterans

September 19, 2006

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today voted in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 622, which recognizes and honors the service of Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals and their contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific.  Smith is a co-sponsor of the resolution.  The measure passed in the House of Representatives tonight by a vote of 402 - 0.

“More than 120,000 Filipinos fought to defend the United States in the Pacific during World War II, and they deserve the recognition given them by the House of Representatives tonight,” Smith said.  “They also deserve full access to veterans’ health care and other benefits, and I am fighting to make sure they get their due.”

Smith is a cosponsor of H.R. 4574, the Filipino Vets Equity Act.  The bill would extend Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to the 13,000 remaining veterans residing in the Philippines.  U.S.-resident Filipino veterans are already covered by VA benefits.

H.R. 4574 was referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health on January 3, 2006.  Smith and the bill’s other cosponsors are fighting to bring it to a vote in the full House of Representatives before the 109th Congress adjourns at the end of this year.

Smith Hails Passage of Resolution Calling for Cancer Cure by 2015

September 19, 2006

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today voted in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 210, which expresses Congress’s support for eliminating suffering and death due to cancer by 2015.  Smith is a co-sponsor of the resolution.  The legislation passed in the House of Representatives tonight by a vote of 403 - 0.

“As a member of the House Cancer Caucus, I was glad to see my colleagues support the goal of ending suffering and death due to cancer by 2015,” Smith said.  “I will keep working with my colleagues in Congress to help provide the needed funds and make that goal a reality.”

Cancer now kills more Americans under the age of 85 than any other disease, including heart disease.  More than one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Congress has yet to pass the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007 that would fund continued cancer research through the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.  The House of Representatives is not expected to do so before adjourning until November so that Members may return to their districts.

Smith is pleased he will have a chance to meet tomorrow with Washington State residents, including constituents from the 9th Congressional District, as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Celebration on the Hill 2006.  These Celebration Ambassadors will call on Members of Congress to make a “Congressional Cancer Promise.”  The Promise outlines steps Congress can take to help end cancer suffering and related deaths.

Visiting Celebration Ambassadors from Washington State include:

  • Tina Bodine (Lacey)
  • Kristi Coppin-Arnold (Sumner)
  • Kimberly Crawford (Federal Way)
  • William Hagedorn (Puyallup)
  • Cindi Mueller (Milton)
  • Linda Russell (Puyallup)

“I commend my constituents for their dedication to ending a disease that affects so many families,” Smith said.  “I look forward to continuing to fight alongside them to end suffering and death from cancer by 2015.”

Smith Statement on Fifth Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

September 11, 2006

U.S. Representative Adam Smith (WA-09) today released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks:

“Today we again pause to remember a dark moment burned into the memory of our generation.  We remember those who died and the loved ones they left behind.  We remember the victims of war, terrorism, and other violence.  We rededicate ourselves to the belief in human freedom and support for those who fight for it.”

“This five-year anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks reminds us to remain vigilant to stop future attacks.  While some progress has been made on homeland security, we clearly have more work to do.  The Taliban have resurfaced in Afghanistan.  Our military is stretched dangerously thin.  Only 6 percent of containers entering U.S. ports are screened.  First responders still do not have the equipment needed to communicate with each other in an emergency.  We can and must do more to ensure attacks like those of September 11th, 2001 never happen again.

“Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and with those on the front lines of the war on terror.  Their sacrifices demand we refocus on bringing those responsible for the attacks to justice.”

 

Labor Day is a Time to Remember the Long, Hard-Fought Struggle for Workers’ Rights

September 1, 2006

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today issued the following statement in recognition of Labor Day, which is this Monday, September 4.

“Labor Day is a time to remember the long, hard-fought struggle for workers' rights to organize, get fair wages and receive training to compete in the global economy.

“That fight continues today.

“The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $5.15 per hour since 1997.  We in Washington State set a higher minimum wage: $7.63 per hour.  Democrats want to increase the federal minimum wage to help bring the rest of the nation up to Washington State's level.  This important step will help address the growing gap between rich and poor in our nation.

“Unfortunately, when the House of Representatives last considered a minimum wage increase, the Majority would only consider a bill for wage-earners after attaching a massive tax cut package for the heirs of the wealthiest fraction of one percent of Americans, a move that would deepen our already massive national debt.  In addition, the bill would have forced Washington State tip-earners to take a pay cut.  Americans are not fools; we know an exercise in political cynicism when we see it.

“But raising the minimum wage alone is not enough.  Workers also need continuing education and training to compete in the global economy.  Congress should provide adequate funds for trade adjustment assistance (TAA), and we should expand TAA to service-sector workers.  These much-needed funds for continued job-related education will help our workers meet the changing demands of global trade.

“We have made some progress to improve the TAA program.  Regrettably, Administration policies leave behind many workers who qualify for TAA benefits.  This failure to support TAA will only get worse as the Majority continues to push fiscally irresponsible spending and tax cuts that severely hamper our ability to invest in our workers.

“It is time for a new direction.  While House Leadership and the President fail to stand behind our working families, we must come together to ensure that all Americans can share the American Dream.  Labor Day reminds us we must keep fighting to expand opportunity and work to restore hope and broad-based prosperity for our nation.”
 

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