Washington D.C. – Congressman Smith released the following statement in response to the Republican health care bill passed by the House today:
“House Republicans voted today to eliminate essential health benefits and protections for Americans. No one—especially not those Republicans who voted to pass it—bothered to consider the costs or the actual impacts of the American Health Care Act (ACHA) on working Americans, those with pre-existing conditions, and people who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was by no means a cure to all of our healthcare challenges, but today’s bill ignores any opportunity for meaningful changes, and instead represents a dangerous leap backwards.
“Prior to the 2010 enactment of the ACA, health care costs were rapidly increasing, government budgets were straining under health costs, and many patients, including those with pre-existing conditions, were unable to access affordable health coverage. We simply cannot revert to a system that allows costs to increase unchecked, insures too few, and drains our economy.
“Republicans, driven by a desire to deliver on a political promise, made irresponsible and harmful changes to the ACHA, which erode essential protections and high quality care, solely to placate Members of the House Republican caucus. Republicans are kidding themselves if they believe eliminating coverage for millions is a desirable approach to further improving health care in this country. Rather than building upon our existing health care law, they are systematically destroying our health care structure. Republicans, led by President Trump, have already undermined the current system by inserting uncertainty and instability into the market, rolling back key consumer protections, weakening enforcement of the individual mandate, and tampering with rules to benefit insurers at the cost of the American people.
“Today’s vote is the height of irresponsibility. Republicans hold power at all levels of our federal government. They must govern for all Americans, not just their ideologically-driven base, and take the time to craft a bipartisan health care bill that improves the health and wellbeing of all Americans.”
“The executive order President Trump signed today allows for discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. I respect the fundamental right of free exercise of religion, but not at the expense of women’s personal health decisions that should be left between them, their doctor, and their family. Freedom of religion does not include the right to impose those beliefs on others.
“I strongly support increasing access to family planning services. We need to fight for equality for all – not encourage and legitimize those who seek to limit women’s reproductive rights. Family planning has been proven to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and, as a result, the total number of abortions. I will continue to fight this and similar attacks every step of the way.”
“A primary duty of the United States Government is to protect its citizens, but it is critical that in doing so we do not forget our obligation to protect the privacy and rights of Americans,” said Congressman Smith. “This legislation will provide clear and commonsense legal avenues for the Department of Homeland Security to pursue those who commit crime and wish to do our country harm without infringing on the rights of American citizens. Importantly, it will ensure that American citizens and legal residents returning to the U.S. from overseas are not subject to invasive, warrantless searches of their data. Your private information should remain just that – private.”
“The government should not have the right to access your personal electronic devices without probable cause,” Congressman Polis said. “Whether you are at home, walking down the street, or at the border, we must make it perfectly clear that our Fourth Amendment protections extend regardless of location. This bill is overdue, and I am glad we can come together in a bicameral, bipartisan manner to ensure that Customs and Border Patrol agents don’t continue to violate essential privacy safeguards.”
“The Supreme Court has made clear that generally law enforcement must get a warrant before searching an electronic device. Yet, CBP continues to seize and search thousands of travelers’ devices every year without a warrant,” said Neema Singh Guliani, ACLU Legislative Counsel. “Congress must now take action to end this unwise and unconstitutional practice by enacting this important bill.”
“The Protecting Data at the Border Act is timely legislation that would rein in Customs and Border Protection. In recent months, we have seen an alarming increase in the number of invasive device searches at the border,” said EFF Staff Attorney Sophia Cope. “The extraordinary privacy interests in our cell phones and other mobile devices are not the same as those for a suitcase. EFF supports this important bill, which would require border agents to do what we believe the Constitution requires: get a probable cause warrant.”
“A search of your cell phone or social media account is a direct look behind the curtain that covers the most intimate aspects of your life. A border stop shouldn’t be an excuse for extreme surveillance such as downloading the entire contents of your phone. This bill would ensure that the government demonstrates a good reason for searches at the border, and that a judge agrees,” said Greg Nojeim, CDT Director, Freedom, Security, and Technology Project.
Background:
The Protecting Data at the Border Act was introduced in response to recent countless stories of individuals being arbitrarily stopped at the border. These reports are both worrisome and threatening to the very principles of due process – a founding principle of our democratic system of government. Originally introduced by Congressman Smith as the “Traveler’s Privacy Protection Act,” this updated legislation reflects the changing digital landscape in which Americans are regularly engaged.
The Protecting Data at the Border Act requires reasonable suspicion of illegal activity for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents to search the contents of laptop computers or other electronic devices carried by U.S. citizens or lawful residents, and it prohibits profiling travelers based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. Additionally, the bill requires a warrant or court order to seize information uncovered during a search, and ensures that information acquired during an electronic search is protected by strict disclosure limitations. Reporting requirements also mandate that DHS provides information on its border search policies and practices to Congress and the public.
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.”