News

Press Releases

Congressman Smith Statement on President Trump’s Address on Coronavirus

March 11, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement tonight following the President’s address to the nation on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:

“We need competent, high-level leadership from this Administration to help move us through this public health and economic crisis. Economic assistance and bailouts will amount to nothing if we do not act now on the most important issue at hand: protecting the health and safety of the American people. We must take the necessary actions to address deficiencies within our health care system and reevaluate the insufficient response to the coronavirus epidemic.

“First, we must accelerate the availability and capacity for testing. While progress has been made in the state of Washington on this front with new labs opening to conduct more and more tests each day, the ability for individuals to get tested by their health care provider is still inadequate. This will only get worse as the virus spreads. The president failed to even mention testing during his speech tonight.

“Second, we must provide support to our already strained health care system. This means proactively making available existing resources and boosting medical supply chain capacity to ensure hospitals, providers, and public health agencies have the supplies, equipment, and personnel they need to care for our communities. To minimize strain on hospitals and provides, we also must have a whole-of-government approach to educating the public and implementing mitigation measures such as social distancing. 

“Lastly, in parallel, it is essential that we support individuals, families, and small businesses who may struggle with significant financial burdens during this health crisis. Deferring tax payments or putting a pause on payroll taxes is woefully insufficient. Congress should expand unemployment insurance, guarantee paid sick leave, make emergency small business loans available, and take immediate action to put money and resources directly in the hands of impacted people who need to pay rent and put food on the table for themselves and their families.

“COVID-19 is here. Travel restrictions will not change that. Public health officials and leaders throughout Washington State are working night and day to respond to this crisis. It is imperative we have the leadership from this Administration that reflects the gravity of this crisis and dedication required to effectively respond.”

###

Congressman Smith Meets with Community Leaders on Coronavirus

March 6, 2020

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) sat down with community leaders from International Community Health Services (ICHS), Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS), Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), and Kin On to discuss coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Local and state health workers across Washington are working around the clock to combat the coronavirus outbreak and I thank them for their lifesaving efforts. We need to make sure agencies, physicians, and community health centers have the resources they need to continue responding, containing, and treating members of our community while keeping workers safe and healthy as they operate on the front lines.

“It is critical that members of the community follow guidance of health experts and avoid misinformation about coronavirus. Misinformation has led to the stigmatization of those of Asian descent based on fear and xenophobia – this is a danger to the wellbeing of our communities and to public health. We must remain unified and vigilant at this critical time to combat this epidemic and to uphold our resilient and diverse communities.

“I applaud ICHS, ACRS, SCIDpda, Kin On, and other community partners for their dedication to protecting the health and wellbeing of all of our community members.”

###

Congressman Smith Urges Supreme Court to Protect Access to Critical Reproductive Healthcare Services

March 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today as the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in June Medical Services v. Russo. This case could restrict access to abortion and reproductive freedom across the country, particularly in states where lawmakers have already begun chipping away at the rights protected by Roe v. Wade.

“What is happening in Louisiana is part of a coordinated effort by Republicans across the country to dismantle abortion care without explicitly touching Roe v. Wade. Four years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that a nearly identical law in Texas was unconstitutional. That law, as well as the one currently before the Supreme Court, was medically unnecessary and only made it harder for women to access the care they need.

“By imposing unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions around reproductive rights, the Louisiana law would result in the closure of every abortion clinic in the state except one, putting this crucial care out of reach for many patients, especially people of color and those lacking the means to travel far distances to access their constitutionally-protected rights.

“Access to abortion care should not depend on your zip code. I urge the Supreme Court to respect precedent and recognize that this law poses an undue burden on those who wish to exercise the rights protected by the ruling in Roe v. Wade. I will continue to support policies that respect bodily autonomy and allow women to make their own decisions related to their reproductive health.” 

###

Congressman Smith Statement on Emergency Supplemental Funding Bill to Combat Coronavirus

March 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today on the $8.3 billion emergency supplemental funding bill to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

“The bipartisan, bicameral agreement on an emergency funding package is an enormously important step in the response to the coronavirus and our ability to protect the public’s health.

“This new funding will support research and development of vaccines, procurement of medical supplies and medicines, and prevention, preparedness, and response activities. The package also makes significant funding available to state and local health agencies. Health workers across Washington, including from the Washington State Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle & King County, are working tirelessly to respond to the outbreak. This funding helps ensure those agencies have adequate resources to continue their lifesaving work.

“It is critical that everyone listens to the guidance of health experts on actions you can take to protect yourself and the community. Misinformation about coronavirus has led to discrimination and violence against Chinese Americans and those of Asian descent. This kind of misinformation based on fear and unfounded conspiracies is a danger to public health. I encourage anyone seeking information to follow recommendations from the CDC, the Washington State Department of Health, or their local health agency to best protect you, your family, and the community.

“I look forward to the Senate acting swiftly to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Congress must continue to remain engaged to ensure the federal government takes the appropriate steps to respond to this outbreak. This includes doing everything in our power to support our state and local health agencies, public health organizations, and other health care entities on the front lines of the response.”

###

Congressman Smith Statement on Coronavirus Case in King County

February 28, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement on the positive test of coronavirus in King County.

“My office is closely tracking new developments regarding the coronavirus and the recent positive test in King County. At this time, public health officials continue to reiterate that currently the risk to the community is low, but that may change over time. Thank you to the public health professionals, including Public Health Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health, for their tireless work protecting our community. We must ensure that our public health officials at the federal, state, and local levels have the resources they need to do their jobs.

“Now more than ever it’s critical for everyone – individuals, schools, and workplaces – to listen to the guidance of health experts. I encourage everyone to seek additional information here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus.”

###

« First < Prev Next > Last »