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Rep. Smith Renews Call for Ceasefire between Hamas and Israel

May 17, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to ongoing violence in Israel.

“As I called for last week, there must be an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The current path of escalation will only result in further civilian casualties and risks history repeating with another destructive and unproductive cycle of violence. The U.S. must work with Israel, Palestinians, the UN, and other countries in the region to reach a halt to hostilities, ensure that steps are taken to avoid further civilian casualties, and reopen peaceful negotiations.”

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Rep. Smith Votes for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

May 14, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

“Since the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act over 40 years ago, pregnant workers still face discrimination on the job. As people increasingly work later into their pregnancies and maintain their family’s financial security, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act establishes a straightforward right to reasonable workplace accommodations.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic putting pregnant individuals at an increased risk for severe illness, the need for these protections is more important than ever. Additionally, women of color who are overrepresented in low-wage, physically demanding jobs are disproportionately impacted by the lack of access to reasonable accommodations. This bipartisan bill protects pregnant workers from being denied employment opportunities, retaliated against for requesting reasonable accommodations, or forced to take leave if another reasonable accommodation is available.

“No one should be forced to choose between continuing in their current job and a healthy, safe pregnancy. Without clear federal guidance, workers and employers have been left with an incomplete patchwork of state and local laws that leave many pregnant workers without protections. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will help ensure that speaking up to address challenges faced on the job while pregnant is not a barrier or excuse for discrimination or retaliation.  I am proud to be a cosponsor on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which finally secures clear fundamental rights for pregnant workers by establishing their right to reasonable accommodation.”

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Rep. Smith Statement on Debt Collection Improvement Bill

May 13, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2547, The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act.

“Throughout the pandemic, many consumers and small businesses have struggled to keep up with their bills through no fault of their own, while debt collectors have seen record profits. Recent reports found that almost 26 percent of Americans have an item in collections listed on their credit reports, and we know that abusive debt collection practices disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income communities.

“The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act would provide important protections for small businesses, servicemembers, students, and other consumers against mistreatment and harassment by certain debt collectors. The bill would allow for higher damages under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for abuses by collections agencies engaging in unfair and deceptive practices and requires the agencies to obtain a consumer’s permission before using emails or text messages to collect on past due debt. Importantly, it would also prohibit collectors from threatening servicemembers with reductions in rank or revocation of security clearance.

“By enhancing consumers’ rights, increasing the accountability of debt collectors, and amending the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, H.R. 2547 will ensure debt collectors can no longer prey on consumers and small businesses. At a time when Americans and small business owners are struggling more than ever, we must protect them from egregious practices from debt collectors and update existing decades-old statutes to hold them accountable.”

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Rep. Smith Statement on the Violence in Israel

May 12, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to escalating violence in Israel.

“The barrage of rockets over the past few days directed at Israeli civilians is abhorrent and I unequivocally condemn this deadly assault from Hamas. Hamas has once again taken advantage of heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis for its own destructive purposes, not for the benefit of Palestinians. I support the Biden Administration’s efforts to engage regional partners, including Israel, Egypt, and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East, to reach a ceasefire immediately and ensure that that all steps are taken to minimize civilian casualties in Israel and Gaza.

“It has been far too long since Palestinian and Israeli leaders have shown the leadership required to come to the table and talk to one another, and we are seeing the result of maintaining the status quo. Planned evictions in East Jerusalem not only uproot the lives of Palestinians who have lived there for decades but also inflame tensions and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. It is vital that the U.S. urge leaders of all faiths and partners in the region take steps to deescalate the growing violence in Jerusalem and areas throughout Israel.

“Moving forward, the U.S. must play a more productive role in bringing the Palestinians to the table, preventing unilateral actions that undermine a future two-state solution, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between the two parties.”

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Rep. Smith Visits Pacific Propeller International Facility in Kent

May 10, 2021

KENT, WA – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Pacific Propeller International’s facility in Kent, Washington.

“I had the pleasure of visiting Pacific Propeller International’s facility today in Kent to see firsthand how they plan to fabricate and manufacture propellers and parts for aircraft including C-130s and P3s,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “I want to thank the employees and those who are also former servicemembers for their continued support on such important platforms that ensure the safety, efficacy, and readiness of our military operations. It is crucial that we also work to bring more production back to the U.S. to create good American jobs and support the union workers who continue to elevate the standard of what it means to be ‘American made.’ I will continue to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to support domestic production, build back the economy, and ultimately keep our men in women in uniform safe.”

“On behalf of the Pacific Propeller team members, thank you for visiting PPI today,” said Jeff Heikke, CEO of Precision Aerospace Products. “With 70 years of proud tradition servicing our US military, foreign allies, and the commercial aerospace industry, we are honored that you are joining us at this critical time as we look to expand our manufacturing in the US to support our military customers domestically and overseas. We appreciate your time and interest.”

“We are honored to be represented by Congressman Adam Smith and appreciate his visit to our facility, Pacific Propeller International in Kent, Washington this week,” said George (Jorge) Canovas, Chief Compliance Officer, Strategic Global Relations, of Precision Aerospace Products. “His concerns for the wellbeing of our Country, business, our workers, and specifically his interest in bringing back jobs to the U.S.A. and Washington State, underscore his commitment to each citizen of this great Country and State.”

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