On Veterans Day, we honor the brave and heroic service of all of our veterans. The men and women of our Armed Services risk their lives around the world every day to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. In return, it is critical that we ensure that they and their loved ones are cared for when they return home. I am honored to represent thousands of veterans who live in the 9th District in Washington state.
Congress should do everything possible to ensure that the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who serve our country come home to good, family-wage job opportunities and receive the care and assistance that they earned. I look forward to working with both the veterans in our community and my colleagues in the House of Representatives to improve the lives of those who have served.
The situation in Syria and Iraq is extremely complicated, but our goals are clear—combating ISIL and a negotiated political settlement that brings the civil war in Syria to an end and closes the door on the Assad regime. No American would prefer to have any troops in Syria, but the small number the President is deploying should help to achieve those goals, and for that reason in this incredibly complex solution, I support this decision
Washington D.C. – Congressman Smith released the following statement about the need to comprehensively reform our criminal justice system, highlighting current efforts at the federal level that can begin the process:
“The American criminal justice system is fundamentally broken.
“As a nation, we incarcerate more of our own citizens than any other country in the world – often times for non-violent drug offenses. Past reforms meant to keep our communities safer have resulted in disproportionately high incarceration rates among people of color, splitting families apart and helping to perpetuate cycles of poverty. Despite the creation of innovative tools at the local level in King County to institute diversionary “safety valve” mental health, drug rehabilitation, and veterans treatment courts, these resources do not currently exist at the federal level. Communities of color still face disproportionate mandatory minimum sentences, with charges often stacking on top of one another. The vast majority of inmates leaving prison face long-term unemployment, with employers often unwilling to consider them due to their records. Make no mistake, I believe that the justice system must work to protect the innocent, and hold those committing crimes accountable – but a central goal of our corrections system must also be rehabilitation and reintegration. As a society, we must do more.
“As a former prosecutor, I have had a unique exposure to the intricacies of our judicial system. The men and women who work in law enforcement, as prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and corrections officers shoulder the immense duty of keeping our communities safe. These individuals must balance this responsibility while at the same time assuring that the system remains fair and balanced, and that individuals are treated and judged equally under the law. I believe the time has come to make important adjustments to the way we handle criminal justice in our country.
“I applaud the President’s recent statements on the need for criminal justice reform, including his Executive Action to “ban the box” on initial paperwork for federal employment applications, which mirrors legislation that I became a cosponsor of earlier this year. Banning the box is a good start, however, there is no singular solution—we must make across-the-board changes if we are to truly reform our broken justice system and begin to address the unintended negative consequences of the 1994 Crime Bill. This bill has been criticized for its enactment of mandatory minimum sentences and other reforms that have disproportionately harmed disadvantaged communities.
“To address our broken system, I have laid out a “roadmap” of criminal justice reform initiatives to make improvements throughout the judicial system. Congress should pass the SAFE Justice Act, a comprehensive bill that I cosponsored which utilizes evidence-based, state-tested reforms across the spectrum of criminal justice – from sentencing reform and safety valve programs, to changes in post-release supervision. I support establishing federal grant programs for Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) because we must work with and support our men and women in law enforcement, promoting accountability and transparency. I also strongly support funding for legal help to low income individuals, as well as legislation that implements evidence-based changes in our prisons and supports the reentry of those who have completed their sentences back into society. Leveling the playing field on federal job applications by “banning the box” is a crucial step, but we must go further.
“As we work towards common-sense reforms to our criminal justice system, I greatly value the continuing information, opinions and experiences shared with me by my constituents about these critical topics. We must chart a new course if we are to build a stronger tomorrow.”
“Congressman Smith will be an invaluable partner in building support across party lines to pass comprehensive criminal justice reform,” stated Congressman Bobby Scott, the lead Democratic cosponsor of the SAFE Justice Act. “His dedication to educating our colleagues about evidence-based practices and addressing the underlying causes of recidivism have been a great help as we continue to push for meaningful reform in Congress.”
Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Smith joined the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Congressman Smith released the following statement regarding his new membership in the Task Force:
“Today, I am honored to announce that I have joined the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This Task Force examines inequities in our society and looks at policy proposals to expand opportunity in areas including higher education, job training and employment, and stable housing. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues on the Whip’s Task Force to work to remove barriers that stand in the way of hard-working Americans reaching the middle class. Over the past few decades we have institutionalized barriers that too often keep people in poverty and limit economic prosperity. This cannot stand and we must do better.
Americans today are confronted with a system where upward mobility has become increasingly out of reach. As the son of a ramp serviceman at the SeaTac airport, I often wonder how my family would fare under the same circumstances today. My father made upwards of $15 an hour with benefits for United Airlines in the 1980s. In today’s economy, similar jobs in our region often only earn $9.47, an amount that simply isn’t enough to provide for a family in King County.
I am committed to increasing the jobs here at home and ensuring that we have a strong, well-trained workforce. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been working to do just that. Not only have I supported robust investments in education and workforce training and development, but I have also supported programs to assist American manufacturers access new markets. Additionally, I have pushed to increase the minimum wage to ensure our workers are compensated fairly for their work and can be part of our country’s middle class.
In the coming months, the Task Force will continue to consult with key stakeholders and work closely with the Administration to develop support for a national strategy to eradicate poverty. We will evaluate the impact of anti-poverty programs, as well as the long-term economic outcomes of the Americans who receive assistance; and remove barriers and obstacles that prevent low-income Americans from joining the middle class. I am looking forward to working with the Task Force to develop policies that reduce poverty and create a better future for all Americans.”
“I am thrilled to have Congressman Adam Smith join the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “In Congress, Rep. Smith is a tireless champion for working families and good paying jobs. His work to advance American manufacturing in the Puget Sound region and across the country has helped lift families into the middle class. I look forward to working with Rep. Smith to build pathways out of poverty by raising the minimum wage, creating good paying jobs, and strengthening our safety net for vulnerable families.”
“I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Smith to our Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity,” said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. “From pushing for an increase in the minimum wage to supporting investments in workforce development and training, Rep. Smith has been a tireless advocate for working men and women. I thank him for his dedication to lifting more of our people out of poverty and into the middle class, and I look forward to working with him to continue to advance our agenda of job creation and economic opportunity for all Americans.”
Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement on the bipartisan budget agreement:
“Republicans have finally engaged in constructive conversations that have produced a two year bipartisan budget deal. This agreement, reached by House and Senate leaders, would increase funding equally for defense and non-defense investments and will help ensure that our economy continues to grow while providing opportunities for middle-class Americans. Unfortunately, this deal does not eliminate cuts mandated by sequestration and does not fix our core budget problems in the long-term.
During the disastrous debt ceiling debate in 2011, Congress passed the Budget Control Act, which I opposed. While that legislation temporarily addressed the debt limit, it also stipulated that if Congress did not find $1.2 trillion in savings, sequestration would take effect. Sequester cuts were designed to be so damaging to our national defense, the economy, and other important federal programs, that Congress would be forced to act. Since then, Congress has only been able to make progress with limited-term budget agreements.
Ideally, a budget must support our working families, invest in innovation and infrastructure, and advance comprehensive immigration reform. A responsible budget must create jobs and strengthen the middle class. This budget agreement is not perfect and much of it needs careful review, but it is a move in the right direction. This agreement is preferable to governing from budget crisis to budget crisis and will allow for the American people to plan for the future.
This budget deal is paid for in a balanced way by ensuring that Wall Street pays the taxes they owe and cuts billions in wasteful spending. Furthermore, this agreement protects critical priorities, keeping intact programs that working families depend on and protecting Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries from harmful cuts. The deal will avoid cuts to the Social Security Disability Insurance program that are projected to take place at the end of next year and also avoids an increase in Medicare Part B premiums.
I have long called for Congress to permanently address the sequester. While the bipartisan budget agreement does not eliminate the sequester, this deal is a necessary compromise. The agreement will more reasonably fund our national and economic security through 2017, while ensuring the full faith and credit of the United States is not put at risk. Moving forward, Congress must eliminate sequestration altogether and implement a long-term spending plan that provides certainty to our economy, the Department of Defense, and the entire federal government.”
During the August District Work Period, I held meetings through the 9th District with community members and stakeholders. This provides me with valuable feedback from my constituents to advocate for the issues important to them. I held a women’s health roundtable to discuss the state of women’s reproductive health on the federal, state and local levels, and to hear from constituents about issues most pressing to them. I greatly appreciated having many community members in attendance to discuss continued access to comprehensive reproductive health services for all women and men, the role of Title X funding and Planned Parenthood in reaching this goal, and recent attacks on Planned Parenthood and potential efforts to defund the organization.
I am pro-choice. I am simply uncomfortable with the government making such health decisions that should be left to women and their doctors. I believe that a woman should have the right to make their own health care decisions, regardless of where she lives or how much money she makes.
Because I believe in access to comprehensive reproductive health services, I am a proud original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation that prohibits state action concerning abortion services in key areas like barring special tests (like ultrasounds) that are not required for medically similar procedures; restricting abortion providers’ abilities to delegate tasks, prescribe or administer drugs, or administer telemedicine; and requiring women to go to medically unnecessary appointments before having an abortion. In addition, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2972, the EACH Woman Act, which would ensure that low-income women are provided coverage for abortion by Medicaid.
In light of the recent attacks on Planned Parenthood through heavily-edited, sensationalized and disingenuous videos Senate leadership voted on August 3, 2015 to bring a vote to defund Planned Parenthood to the Senate floor for consideration. Republicans in the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold that is necessary to overcome a Democratic filibuster and allow debate on this bill. I commend my Senate colleagues for opposing that vote and for their efforts to stop a vote to defund Planned Parenthood.
Now, a few dozen extreme House Republicans are threatening another irresponsible government shutdown because they want to see Planned Parenthood defunded. I am vehemently opposed to this effort, and will continue to support Planned Parenthood in Congress. Planned Parenthood is a central provider of equitable access to healthcare for both men and women of underserved communities across the United States, and Congress must invest in its continued funding.
I will continue to support and advocate for women’s rights and policies that protect women’s right to choose and improve access to family planning services.
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement in support of the Administration’s deal on Iran’s nuclear program:
The Administration, our closest allies, and the other members of the U.N. Security council worked tirelessly for two years to successfully negotiate a historic deal that will prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon for at least the next 15 years.
Over the course of the last two months, I have reviewed the final agreement thoroughly and have had extensive conversations with the Administration, nonproliferation experts, our European allies, and those who are concerned with aspects of the deal. After careful and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to support this agreement because I believe it ends the otherwise unmonitored and unrestricted continuation of the Iranian nuclear program and it halts the surely destructive effects of a nuclear Iran in the Middle East.
This deal gives the world unprecedented access to Iran’s nuclear sites and intrusive monitoring of its uranium supply and centrifuge production chains to ensure its enrichment activities are extremely limited. This is access that we would not have without a deal. These verification measures are key to making sure that Iran sticks to its part of the bargain to not enrich uranium above 3.67% and to keep no more than 300 kilograms of low-enriched uranium for the next 15 years. These levels are far below those necessary to build a nuclear weapon. This deal substantially lengthens the time Iran would need to develop a nuclear weapon should it decide to violate the agreement.
This agreement took high-level diplomatic engagement and represents a broad international agreement. Congress’ rejection of this deal would hurt the U.S.’ credibility and likely fracture the international cooperation that was essential in enforcing a sanctions regime on Iran. This would make potential negotiations with Iran in the future incredibly difficult, and increase the likelihood that Iran would be able to develop a nuclear weapon without constraints. It is hard to see how turning this deal down strengthens our position or furthers our national security interests in the region.
Iran’s support to terrorist groups in the region is destabilizing and a threat to the U.S. and our allies. I too share concerns over lifting the arms embargo on Iran in 5 years should it comply with all of its obligations in the nuclear agreement, and I do not believe that Iran will suddenly become a force for good in the region. However, it is important to bear in mind that this does not affect U.S. or EU bans on weapons sales, and that the goal of these negotiations was to reach a deal that prevents Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Iran is a malign actor, but an Iran with a nuclear deterrent would be free to pursue its bad actions without fear of military response. We cannot allow U.S. domestic politics to make such a future more likely.
The 60-day period for Congress to review the deal is almost over. During the remaining time, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to ensure that we have the correct mechanisms in place to monitor Iran’s compliance with the deal and to respond should Iran forfeit its compliance with this agreement. As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will also work with the Administration and my colleagues to address Iran’s other malign activities and enhance the security of our Israeli and Arab partners in the region. I remain concerned about Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region and threats to the security of our allies and our servicemen and women. But I firmly believe that those threats would be made much worse if Iran possessed nuclear weapons. At this time, the deal negotiated between Iran and the international community is the best way to prevent Iran from getting those weapons.
Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith released to following statement recognizing the 95th anniversary of the 19th amendment which ensured a woman’s right to vote:
“As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we must recognize how much work remains to achieve true equality. Women continue to get paid less than men for equal work and are shut out of leadership and management roles far too often. Congress must implement policies that address the wage gap. We also must look to expand access to affordable child care and paid family leave that can further help women enter the workforce. Additionally, many women work minimum wage jobs, and I will continue to fight to increase the national minimum wage to ensure women can support their families To truly celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we must recommit ourselves to fighting for these policies that move us toward a more fair and equal society.”
Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the two year anniversary of Nestora Salgado’s arrest:
“For two years, Nestora has been denied due process and justice by the Mexican government. It is entirely unacceptable that she remains imprisoned in conditions that threaten her life. A Mexican federal court and many civil society and human rights groups including experts from the United Nations have all called for long overdue action. I continue to urge the United States government and the Mexican government to take immediate action to secure Nestora’s release. I will keep doing all I can to fight for her.”
Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in community police group in her hometown of Olinalá in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups. As her Member of Congress, Congressman Smith has worked with Nestora’s family and her legal representation at Seattle University to help secure her release. He has held press conferences and sent a letter with Senator Patty Murray to the State Department to bring attention to the case and ensure Nestora can safely return to her family.
Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
“Having free and fair elections is essential for our democracy, and for 50 years now, the Voting Rights Act has played a critical role in protecting individuals’ right to vote regardless of race, ethnic background, or level of income. In Congress, we must do all we can to build on the Voting Rights Act and make it easier for folks to vote rather than make it harder with Voter ID laws and other discriminatory practices. That is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3364, introduced by Rep. Rick Larsen, which would allow voters to sign a written statement to affirm their identity if they do not have an ID. I also support the Voter Empowerment Act of 2015 introduced by Rep. John Lewis which would require states to have online voter registration and make grants available to increase voter registration. I understand the importance of promoting balance, openness, and fairness in elections and I will fight for policies that protect and improve upon the Voting Rights Act.”