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Ranking Member Adam Smith, Senator Mark Udall Launch Effort to Protect Citizens and Non Citizens from Indefinite Detention, Preserve Civil Liberties

March 8, 2012

The Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, unveiled legislation at a press conference today to ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system.
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Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, unveiled legislation (summary) at a press conference today to ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system.

The bills also prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention for individuals detained in the United States and affirms that any trial proceedings “shall have all the due process as provided for under the Constitution.”

In unveiling their companion bills, Smith and Udall made the following joint statement:

 “Current law gives the executive branch too much power. By ensuring all due process rights enshrined in the Constitution, our legislation protects civil rights and ensures national security. The bills clarify that the only options for anyone detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) are Article III courts (federal) and state courts. They prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention.

“In addition to protecting civil liberties, these bills strengthen one of our strongest assets in trying suspected terrorists: Article III courts and domestic law enforcement. Federal courts have a proven track record of success: Over 400 defendants charged with crimes related to international terrorism have been successfully convicted in the United States since 9/11.

“Additionally, our civilian law enforcement also has a proven track record of success as demonstrated by the recent mandatory life sentence received by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the “underwear bomber.” This conviction builds on a history of success. In fact, more than 300 individuals convicted of crimes related to international terrorism are currently incarcerated in federal prisons within the United States with no escapes or retaliatory attack.

“While some claim we should shy away using a court system that has been a model for the world for more than 200 years, we believe that we should embrace it. We should not fear our Constitution. We should embrace it.”   

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Smith Statement on International Women's Day

March 8, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement today in celebration of International Women's Day.
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Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement today in celebration of International Women's Day:

“Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day by recognizing the achievements women have made as leaders in our communities and across the globe.  Throughout history, women have played a vital role in securing the civil rights and liberties of all people, and though it is sometimes unfairly overlooked, we all continue to benefit from their commitment to a more just and equal society where women have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

"Women everywhere continue to face numerous obstacles in achieving full political, economic, and social equality. But with the strides they’ve attained over the past century, crucial progress has and will continue to be made. We must all continue working toward a society where no person is denied their right to an education, access to healthcare, or economic opportunity because of their gender.


“As we celebrate today and during Women’s History Month this March, we have an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the advancement and empowerment of women worldwide. We also reiterate our commitment to leveling the playing field to ensure paths of leadership for women and girls are meaningfully paved.”
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Smith Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald Payne

March 6, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement today on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey:

“Congressman Donald Payne was an outspoken advocate for the civil liberties of all people. He worked tirelessly representing his constituents as the first African-American to serve from New Jersey and as the former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“I was honored to serve with Congressman Payne during his time as the highest ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights where we worked together to find solutions to the global health challenges being tackled in Washington state such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic and better measures to treat and put a stop to widespread preventable diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. Don was a humanitarian and his commitment to improving the lives of those who were most in need will leave an indelible mark on our world.

“Congressman Payne will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

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Smith Statement on the Retirement of Congressman Norm Dicks

March 2, 2012

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.
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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.”

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Smith Statement on the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center

February 28, 2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today made the following statement in response to the Executive Order signed by President Obama establishing the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC):

“The creation of an Interagency Trade Enforcement Center is an important step forward toward ensuring that our trading partners are held accountable when they violate international agreements and, importantly enabling American workers to compete fairly in the global marketplace.

“Coordinating the relevant agencies and increasing resources to investigate unfair trade practices by our competitors is critical to our economy’s growth and is essential to putting more Americans back to work. As the fourth largest exporter in the country, we must level the playing field for Washington State products that face unfair trade practices and subsidies by foreign countries.

“I’m pleased the Administration has shown a real commitment to American economic growth and I am confident the Enforcement Center will continue to help secure economic prosperity and advance American interests.”
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