Each Veterans Day, we join together to honor the men and women who have served our country. We owe these brave Americans our respect and our freedom and extend our gratitude to them and their families for the sacrifices they have made.

After their military service, our veterans continue to give back as valuable members of our community. As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have the honor of representing the thousands of veterans who call the Puget Sound region home. I have consistently worked to ensure that our veterans receive the high-quality care and support they deserve for their years of faithful service. We must continue to improve health care for current and former servicemen and women, and improve transitional support and job training programs for departing members of the military. On Veterans Day, we recommit to fulfilling our promise to our service members, their families and our veterans.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) announced his bid to run for Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Smith sent the following letter to his Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives:

Below is the full text of the letter:

Dear Democratic Colleagues:

During the 115th Congress, it has been an honor to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Armed Services and represent the Democratic Caucus on national security matters. As we begin to organize for the 116th Congress, I am asking for your support to serve our caucus as Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services.

Together, we have made strides on national security issues but much more must be done to conduct vigorous oversight of the Trump Administration and the Department of Defense. Specifically, we must look to eliminate inefficiency and waste at the DOD; boost oversight of sensitive military operations and ensure that the military works to avoid civilian casualties; protect our environmental laws nationwide; advance green technology in defense; take substantial steps to reduce America’s overreliance on nuclear weapons; and promote greater transparency in national security matters.

It is important that we have a military that reflects the United States in all of its diversity as well as a Defense Department that engages with businesses of all sizes and from all communities. We need inclusive armed services that can attract the best, most talented people without arbitrary and discriminatory barriers that narrow the field of people who can serve their country. I will continue to work with you to ensure that the United States’ military is equipped to play an effective role in our defense, while appropriately responding to new and evolving threats and challenges. It is critical that we ensure our service members and their families continue to have access to quality benefits, assistance programs, and medical care.

Every Member of our caucus has an interest in national security and their voices need to be heard. As Ranking Member, I have always sought to remain available to all Members and have valued the opportunity to visit military installations in districts throughout the country. Through these visits, and in numerous conversations with Members of our caucus, I have gained a greater understanding of the issues our constituents face. This outreach has given me greater opportunities to advance policies that are at the core of our Democratic values and principles.

As our country continues to face great challenges, I am committed to fighting for the national security principles and goals of the Democratic Caucus. I want to make sure every Member knows I will always have an open door for them and their staffs on issues that are important to them.

While we organize for the 116th Congress, I would be honored to receive your support to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at 202-225-8901.