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May 18 2012

Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Smith-Amash Amendment Vote

Washington D.C. – After today’s vote on the Smith-Amash amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith, made the following statement:

"While I am disappointed in the outcome of today's vote, I am proud of all those who have rallied behind this cause and helped to move the issue forward. This fight does not end with today's vote. We will continue to work to restore civil liberties and due process rights in this country.

"I want to specifically applaud Congressman Justin Amash for his hard work. Over the last few weeks, Rep. Amash has worked tirelessly to build support for our amendment and I look forward to working with him in the future.

"I am also disappointed that the Republican amendment, which was supposedly offered to address the same issue, does nothing to fix the problem. It was offered solely as a smoke screen to divert attention from our amendment. 

"To give the President the power to take away a person's freedom and lock them up, potentially simply based on allegations, without due process, and without the civil liberties protected by our Constitution, is an extraordinary step. Due process rights are designed to protect the innocent and I will continue to work to ensure that we rein in executive powers and protect the Constitution and all those to which it applies."

 

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Date Title
5/23/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on President’s Speech
5/22/13 An Exit Strategy From Detention at Guantanamo
5/22/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith Sends Letter to President on GTMO
5/21/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on Benghazi Briefing
5/15/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith Statement on Fort Hood Allegations
5/14/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on DoD Furloughs
Date Title
4/30/13 Ranking Member Adam’s Smith Supports President’s Call to Close GTMO
4/30/13 Ranking Member Smith Appoints Elizabeth Hillman to Sexual Assault Review Panel
4/29/13 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Donley Retirement
4/25/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on Situation in Syria
4/25/13 Ranking Member Smith’s Opening Statement at Army Posture Hearing
4/23/13 Ranking Member Smith Statement on Decision to Charge Suspect in Civilian Court
4/17/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement at Hearing on Afghanistan
4/15/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on Explosions in Boston
4/12/13 ADVISORY: Ranking Member Adam Smith to Give Speech on West Africa
4/12/13 Ranking Member Smith’s Opening Statement at Air Force Posture Hearing
4/11/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Opening Statement
Date Title
3/25/13 Ranking Member Smith Appoints Members to Serve on Nuclear Advisory Panel
3/20/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on Trying Al-Qaeda Operative in Federal Court
3/20/13 Sequestration Is an Unnecessary Strain on American Families and the Military
3/20/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on SOUTHCOM and NORTHCOM Posture Hearing
3/15/13 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Bolstering of Missile Defense Capabilities
3/15/13 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement at EUCOM, AFRICOM Posture Hearing
3/8/13 Ranking Member Smith Statement on Export Control Reform Progress
3/6/13 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Continuing Resolution