Elect Adam Smith

I am a strong supporter of measures to boost the Puget Sound economy by providing workers and their families with fair access to opportunity.  I have authored legislation to provide job training, health care benefits, and unemployment to laid-off workers, as well as consistently sponsored legislation that would raise the minimum wage at the federal, state, and local levels.

I am an advocate for the protection of unions.  Labor unions and collective bargaining have historically been fundamental in establishing labor protections and today is essential to protecting the rights of workers.  Without the right of labor to organize and collectively bargain, employees’ wages, benefits, and working conditions are jeopardized.  I have a record of supporting legislation that would protect collective bargaining measures.  I will continue to oppose any efforts to erode this vital tool.

I have also led the fight to ensure our economy is strong in the long term by balancing the budget, and I support a forward-thinking energy plan, investments in education and job training, and tax incentives to promote small business and economic investment in the 9th and throughout the country.

Undoubtedly, the value that small businesses contribute to a community is immeasurable. I am firmly committed to working with small businesses, helping them work with federal and local governments, and encouraging their investment so that our economy continues to grow.

The Puget Sound region is a diverse and fundamentally healthy economy that has been a key factor in making Washington state a leader in job and wage growth. I have worked with my colleagues in Washington state to keep Boeing jobs and subcontractors here, build the infrastructure we need for a strong economy, and improve education so that we can continue to have the best workforce in the country.

Adam’s work on Economy & Jobs:

• Meets regularly with a Small Business Advisory Council, a CEO Advisory Council, and an Agriculture Advisory Council to give Congressional updates and listen to their thoughts on issues affecting their communities.
• Co-sponsored H.R. 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act to support unions across the nation
• Opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) because it did not adequately protect workers, the environment, or human rights, and voted against the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) or so-called “Fast Track” authority for the TPP in 2015.
• Co-sponsored H.R. 603, the Raise the Wage Act of 2021
• Helped constituent organizations receive $6.7 million dollars in federal grants to help support local enterprise.
• Sponsored the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act of 2015, which provides job training, extended unemployment benefits, financial assistance, and health insurance to industry workers who have lost their jobs due to international trade.
• Secured $100,000 in federal funds for the Technology Institute at the University of Washington-Tacoma project. These funds will pay for faculty, curriculum development, and equipment acquisition.
• Strongly supported SeaTac Prop 1, which raised the minimum wage to $15.00 and required mandatory paid sick leave for hospitality and transportation workers within SeaTac.
• Endorsed Washington state I-1433 in 2016, which would raise the statewide minimum wage to $13.50 and provide seven days of paid sick leave.
• Cosponsored the GROW America Act, which would establish $478 billion in funding for maintaining our nation’s highway and freight infrastructure.
• Co-sponsored legislation that would give companies incentive to build current and next generation broadband facilities in urban and rural areas.
• Voted for the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act, which suspends most civil fines for first-time offenders and provides more flexibility.
• Co-sponsored 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Scholarship Act, which seeks to ensure that the next generation of Americans receives the training and education they need to compete in the global job market, and takes steps to keep high-wage jobs in America.

Infrastructure

Our country needs a robust infrastructure plan that benefits every American.  Through responsible infrastructure investment, we can promote jobs, safety, and the efficient movement of goods and services.

We must modernize our nation’s roadways and port infrastructure.  These are critical for increased economic growth in our region, and that’s why I support legislation, including the BRACE and FAST Acts, that would support these goals.  I’ve also authored the Freight Infrastructure Reinvestment Act, which would ultimately develop a National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Improvement Program.

Additionally, our airport-impacted communities must also be supported.  I am an advocate for reducing noise and emissions from airplanes, while also holding the Federal Aviation Association accountable to our communities impacted by this issue in the 9th District.

Finally, we must rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges.  I’ll continue to advocate for legislation that all will benefit from.

Adam’s Work on Infrastructure:

• Original co-sponsor of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act
• Supports increased public investment in roads, ports, bridges, broadband infrastructure, and other infrastructure
• Introduced the Freight Infrastructure Reinvestment Act to fund and improve freight mobility
• Member of the Quiet Skies Caucus in Congress
• Supports the re-establishment of an Office of Noise Abatement at the Environmental Protection Agency
• Secured funding for noise mitigation in the Highline School District