Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to President Trump’s revised executive order released Monday:
“President Trump’s latest executive order on refugees and visa restrictions is reckless and runs contrary to America’s founding principles. The President’s second attempt at a travel ban —after his previous order was found to be unconstitutional by two courts—shows a continued disregard for American values and a remarkable willingness to threaten our national security.
“Our existing standards for those seeking refuge already require extremely thorough vetting of all refugees. Banning all refugees and specifically targeting Muslims goes against our values and strengthens extremist groups like ISIS by making America appear anti-Muslim. This malicious executive order will help recruit more terrorists and encourage extremists to attack America, damaging our relationships around the world and making America less safe.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), joined by Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Denny Heck (WA-10), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), released the following statement in response to Monday evening’s bomb threat that lead to the evacuation of the Mercer Island Jewish Community Center in Mercer Island, Washington:
The Members of Congress joined in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share a deep concern with increasing number of alarming bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers in over thirty states, sowing fear and anxiety in our communities. The letter requests that in the wake of these threats, as well as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, the DOJ and FBI must tirelessly investigate these matters, and prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent possible.
“A clear message must be sent that hatred and bigotry have no place in America, and they will not be tolerated,” the members of Congress wrote. “We stand with the Jewish Community both here in Washington state and across the country following a disturbing number of threats against Jewish community centers in recent months. Our community will continue to remain one that values diversity, and promotes respect for people of all races and religions.”
The Members look forward to continued, regular dialogue with both the DOJ and FBI to ensure that they can continue to keep their constituents informed.
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), made the following statement about the impact President Trump’s hiring freeze is having on child care services for U.S. military servicemembers worldwide:
“President Trump should be embarrassed about the way his actions are impacting our men and women in uniform. The same week that he vowed ‘to ensure the sacrifices of our military are supported by the actions of our government,’ he signed an order that is now cutting child care for U.S. servicemembers who are defending our country abroad. That hiring freeze has hurt military readiness and it is now hurting military families by depriving them of the support they need to do their jobs. This has to stop.”
For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/166431393860992/
Lawmakers also call for clarification of administration’s practices
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), joined by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Adam Smith (WA-09), Denny Heck (WA-10), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to express concern that enforcement priorities are now so broad that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, such as Daniel Ramirez Medina, may be caught up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Under the Executive Order titled “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States,” Mr. Ramirez should not have been a priority for detention by ICE. The letter seeks clarification of the changes to ICE’s enforcement priorities and the practices of ICE agents at the doors and in the homes of immigrants.
“We expect due process and facts to guide government agency’s actions,” the members of Congress wrote. “But what we have seen from this administration is repeated falsehoods about immigrants and refugees, and suspicion and allegations rule the day. This is unacceptable, and we demand better.”
That America may break its promise to DACA recipients, who came out of the shadows to sign up for the program with the understanding that they would not be targeted for detention and deportation if they followed the law, is of particular concern to the members of Congress. Further, the Senators and Representatives note that immigration raids do not succeed in creating safe communities.
“In nearly all circumstances, engaging in immigration raids to detain people is unnecessary and damaging to our communities,”wrote the members of Congress.
Specifically, the letter requests:
· A detailed description of any change in ICE policy since January 19, 2017, that allows for ICE agents to detain a DACA recipient, and under what conditions.
· A detailed description of how ICE conducts oversight of its enforcement actions, including as it pertains to DACA recipients who were detained “collaterally” to other enforcement targets.
· A copy of any written policies or standard practices ICE agents use to guide their actions when they are presented with legal documents by individuals in the home of a person who is the target of an ICE raid.
· A description of how the Executive Order pertaining to interior enforcement will be implemented by local ICE agents as it relates to DACA recipients, and what guidance local ICE agents were provided on this matter.
· A copy of any policies used by ICE when issuing press statements pertaining to allegations against a detainee that are not proven in a Federal criminal court or State criminal court.
Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn:
“Two months ago, I stated that Lieutenant General Flynn’s judgment was abysmal and he should not be entrusted with policy decisions that affect the safety of the American people. The recent revelations about his dealings with the Russians underscored just how unfit he was for this position and made his resignation imperative.
“But perhaps even more importantly, these events raise grave questions about who in the White House knew about Flynn’s vulnerability to blackmail and exploitation by the Russian government, and when they knew about it. If anyone in the White House knew about Flynn’s vulnerability and chose not to act, they exercised inexcusably poor judgment that put the security of our country at enormous risk.
“What was the advice the White House counsel’s office gave in this matter, and whom did they give it to? Did any of those individuals receive that advice and choose to turn a blind eye to the risks that Flynn’s position posed to the United States? We must have answers to these questions, and we must have a full investigation that covers any and all connections to these events that could undermine the national security of the United States.”
Washington, DC – Today, a bipartisan group of Representatives introduced H.R. 1059, the Russia Sanctions Review Act. This legislation would require Congressional approval of any sanctions relief provided to Russia. Sponsored by Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH), Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA), Intelligence Subcommittee on the NSA and Cybersecurity Chairman Tom Rooney (R-FL), Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), this legislation is a companion to an identical bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate by Sens. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John McCain (R-AZ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
The Russia Sanctions Review Act takes as its premise that Russia must earn any relief it receives from sanctions, which were imposed both for its aggression in Ukraine and occupation of Crimea as well as for its hacking activities aimed at interfering in the 2016 U.S. election. Similar to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, it will provide a clear check against any sanctions relief that has not been merited.
Click here for a summary of the bill.
“Each day, we learn more about secret dealings that President Trump’s confidants have had with the Russian government,” said Ranking Member Smith. “We don’t yet know the full extent of these interactions, but it would raise serious questions if the administration attempted to ease the sanctions on Russia right now. We imposed these sanctions for several reasons: To serve as a check on Russian aggression in Ukraine and the broader European region, and to dissuade Russia from its campaign to influence elections and discredit democratic values worldwide. Russian behavior remains a serious concern. Sanctions should not be relaxed at this time. Doing so would look like a reward to Putin for his meddling. Congress has a role to play, and it must exert its authority to ensure that appropriate measures are in force.”
“Russia cannot be allowed to get away scot-free after illegally annexing Crimea, supporting an armed uprising in Ukraine, and interfering in last year’s election here in the United States,” Whip Hoyer said. “The Putin regime has shown no indication of changing its behavior. Congress must send a powerful message to the Russians that they cannot meddle in the internal affairs of our country and be rewarded for it.”
“This bipartisan legislation will work to keep our country’s foreign policy in check as we continue to face evolving threats at home and abroad,” Rep. Turner said. “Russia’s past actions must be taken seriously as the new administration forms their foreign policy plan.”
“Sanctions placed on Russia by President Obama for destabilizing Eastern Ukraine and interfering in our elections should only be lifted in response to a clear change in Russian behavior,” Ranking Member Schiff said. “Though Russia’s malignant actions in Ukraine and meddling in French elections have only intensified, President Trump has nonetheless suggested he may pursue a policy of appeasement towards Russia and lift some or all of these sanctions regimes. While the President’s motives are inexplicable, Congress can prevent this catastrophic course of action by passing the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Review Act which will ensure that the Trump Administration cannot act unilaterally.”
“Vladimir Putin is not an ally of America and this bipartisan bill stresses to Putin that until Russia changes its behavior, Congress will not support alleviating or lifting any sanctions on his corrupt regime,” said Rep. Rooney.
“Make no mistake: Putin is testing this new Administration,” Ranking Member Engel said. “That’s why he’s deploying missiles in defiance of a decades-old treaty, a Russian spy ship is floating off the east coast, and we’re dealing with Kremlin hacking our democracy. All the while, Russia continues its illegal occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, with violence again on the rise. The last thing the United States should do is lift sanctions, and Congress should do whatever’s necessary to ensure that doesn’t happen. This bill would allow us to play a stronger role in holding Putin accountable. So long as his aggressive behavior continues, Russia should see no relief from American sanctions.”
“On too many occasions, Russia, under the helm of Vladimir Putin, has been a menace to our national security interests at home and abroad,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “Rewarding Putin with sanctions relief will do nothing to leverage Russia from stopping its destabilizing activities in Eastern Europe, Syria and the wider Middle East. It is critical for Congress to have oversight of any action that rewards Russia without proper adherence to the Minsk Accords.”
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to extremely disturbing reports in numerous states across the country that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been targeting individuals who have a legal right under current law to be in the United States:
“Any attempt by the Trump Administration to reverse course on long-standing protections afforded under the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is completely unacceptable. To deport those acting in accordance with DACA flies in the face of American ideals, and shuts the door on members of our communities who have done no harm. Anyone facing deportation proceedings must be afforded appropriate access to counsel, and their due process rights protected.
“Under the Obama Administration, I raised serious concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and called for transparency about the agency’s actions. I strongly believe that our immigration policy can be conducted in a way that keeps families together, benefits the economy, and protects the rights of the vulnerable. The Trump Administration must keep Congress updated about the goals and objectives of these “enforcement actions,” and well as the process and procedure by which they are being carried out.
“I call upon the Department of Homeland Security, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to clarify their standards on DACA recipients. Senselessly scaring communities through a lack of transparency and strong-arm tactics is shameful.”
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith visited Compass Veterans Center on Friday, February 10th, to deliver valentines made by local students through his office’s second annual Valentines for Vets program. Congressman Smith wants to make sure that our veterans receive recognition and thanks for their service around Valentine’s Day.
On Monday, February 13th, Congressman Smith’s staff delivered additional valentines to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of Washington and Seattle Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Students from eighteen elementary schools participated in the Valentines for Vets program this year, making over 1,000 valentines for local veterans. This outreach effort wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local students and teachers. This annual program continues to be an engaging activity to help teach young people about the role of the members of the armed services and the sacrifices they make for us.
Participating Schools:
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), made the following statement about the sacrifices and contributions made by holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) on behalf of the United States and its national security:
“When we talk about holders of Special Immigrant Visas, we are talking about individuals who have provided their invaluable skills, and made untold sacrifices, in order to help save American lives and advance U.S. national security. We should not turn our backs on them. The quotes below tell some of their stories and illustrate their contributions.”
Quotes about holders of Special Immigrant Visas:
“There are American men and women in uniform who are alive today because a lot of Afghans put their lives on the line—for their own country, sure—but with us.” –U.S. Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley
“Compassion for people displaced by persecution and calamity is a core American Ideal. … ensuring that [these people] receive protection is part of what makes us who we are.” –Admiral James Stavridis
“I’m a Marine Captain who served from 2007-2012 including a tour in Iraq. An interpreter accompanied by platoon every day when I ran convoys between Al Asad and Camp Korean Village, near the Syrian & Jordanian borders. These interpreters were risking their lives to help Americans in the hopes that it would improve the future of their own country. … [t]he violent invasion of ISIS into Northern & Western Iraq has put them in danger and many have already been executed.
“I was appalled last fall at the response of Americans towards refugees who were fleeing terror … terror that was in part due to America’s failures to establish security in a nation we invaded. In response to this inhumane response to refugees and interpreters, my husband and I decided to take in a refugee family in Alexandria, Virginia. We had just put our house on the market but decided to offer it to a family who was being resettled by Catholic Charities.
“Arif served with USAID in Afghanistan for several years and also tried to improve his government by implementing IT systems and logistics processes to improve government functions. The Taliban began threatening Arif’s children and said they would kill his daughter if he continued working with the Americans. He applied for an SIV and, nearly 2 years later, his family arrived to Virginia. Our church worked together to furnish the home and provide clothing and food for the family in their first months. Now, Arif is working as a salesman. He was willing to take any job and started out as a baggage handler at the airport, doing manual labor. He has a college degree and speaks multiple languages. But said he was willing to take any job because ‘in America anything is possible if you just work hard.’ His children go to the same school as my children. While they spoke no English upon arrival, they are now reading and speaking fluently just a year later. Our family and church has introduced them to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, and even the Super Bowl! They are thankful for the opportunity to live in security now and contribute to our country’s economic growth.
“These are people. We need to start treating them as such rather than as pawns in a political game. Failure to live up to our word would be a stain on our character as a nation and would be an embarrassment to our military.” —Sarah Feinberg, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“Our interpreter was like a brother to us. He risked his life, his family’s life, so we could actually work over there, and we need to get him here.” –Robert Morisseau, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“If anyone deserves to be an American, it’s our interpreter—since he sacrificed it all for a place he’s never even set foot in.” –Ramiro “Ram” Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“The bravest person I’ve ever known went by the nickname Suge Knight…. A Sudanese Muslim, Suge served as my scout platoon’s interpreter during our deployment to Iraq in 2007 and 2008, and he went on every patrol and mission with us, no matter the circumstances.” –Matt Gallagher, U.S. Army veteran
“We made a promise. We are crippling ourselves in a potential future conflict by having future local nationals refuse to help us because of our handling of the current SIV situation.” –Andy Sliva, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“Our Afghan interpreters are now facing the risk of life, liberty—their families are in danger. All because they did the right thing. … And now we’re abandoning them.” –James Miller, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“She inspires me. … I’m so excited to see what she does for our country and the world.” –Kelsey Campbell, U.S. Air Force veteran, speaking about her Iraqi interpreter who is now resettled in the U.S.
“Sam and Ford both have incredible stories of early ambition, self sacrifice, and service to two countries who have been a war for quite some time. They were childhood friends and saw an opportunity with the invasion of 03’ to do something for their country [Iraq]. They both signed up to be interpreters for U.S. forces almost immediately, one of them was only 17 years old at the time. I met the two of them in 2007 during my deployment to Rutbah, Iraq. Upon meeting them it was obvious they have been living with Marines for years as they had all of the gear and knew all the lingo—including how to insert an explicative in every possible sentence (as Marines do.)”
“I cannot imagine how different how raids would have been had we not had them with us. There is a lot of uncertainty in dynamic situations but they provided the clarity we desperately needed. They had a sense of the area and always knew long before us if something wasn’t right or when to be suspicious of others. They were not always allowed to be armed but took it in stride. They had to sleep and eat in the filthiest conditions but never complained. They were paid even less than us and still, we never heard a word of it.
“I stayed in touch with both Sam and Ford and was fortunate enough to meet with them in Chicago years after I got out of the military. One is now a U.S. citizen and the other a green card holder, both were going to school. It goes without saying that these men saved American lives, they left their families for years to work with us, and deserve to have a chance at the American dream. For they are everything that make us great.” —Doug Jackson, Marine Corps veteran
“When I was in the army, when I put on the uniform, they treated me as a brother.” –Former Iraqi interpreter for the U.S. Army Othman Al Janabi
“We made a promise and we have to keep it. We are weaker if we don’t keep our promise to our allies.” –Joe Jenkins, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“I would like to see the interpreters who were beside me on every patrol I went on, get what they were promised.” –Colt Smith, U.S. Marine Corps veteran