Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement today after Congressman Norm Dicks announced he would not seek re-election to Congress this year: 

“For 36 years, Norm Dicks has been a champion for the people of Washington State. He has been one of the most influential and effective members of Congress and has worked on a range of issues with boundless energy.  Norm has worked tirelessly to support programs that helped build vital relationships for our community and he’s been an advocate for policies that protect the natural resources and habitat within the Puget Sound. Through his work on behalf of our military and their families, Norm has done his best to ensure our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have the resources and support they need to maintain our national security and are esteemed for their service to our country.

“Since I began my career in Congress, Norm has also been a great mentor and close friend.  As our districts share a border, we’ve worked together on issues that have significantly impacted our economy and the well being of the people living in the South Sound. We’ve partnered to secure funds for school reconstruction on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, to protect the Green River Valley and strengthen the Howard Hanson Dam, and we’ve worked to strengthen the industrial base in the Pacific Northwest.

“I will greatly miss working with Norm as a member of the Washington State Delegation. I thank him for his service, his partnership and for the contributions he has made to our community and to our country. I wish him and his family the very best as he moves into the next stage of his life.”