U.S. House of Representatives, House Armed Services Committee

MEDIA ADVISORY: Ranking Member Adam Smith, Rep. Justin Amash to Fight for Civil Rights and Due Process

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. –Congressman Adam Smith (D- WA), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Justin Amash (R- MI) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. to unveil their bipartisan strategy to prevent the indefinite detention of and use of military custody for individuals detained on US soil – including U.S. citizens - and ensure access to due process and the federal court system, as the Constitution provides.

Ranking Member Adam Smith Responds to Claims by Proponents of Indefinite Detention

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to claims made by proponents of indefinitely detaining individuals captured on United States soil, including United States citizens:

Republican Amendment Discriminates Against Gay and Lesbian Services Members

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Today, Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment that would prevent gay and lesbian couples from getting married or hosting “marriage-like” ceremonies on military installations.

Republicans Vote to Undermine Security, Safety at Nuclear Labs

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Today, as the House Armed Services Committee marks-up the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, Republican members of the committee voted against an amendment, offered by Congressman Rob Andrews, which was designed to restore independent oversight, safety and security for the public and workers at nuclear labs.

Republicans Vote to Waste Hundreds of Millions of Dollars on Un-required Missile Defense System

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Earlier this year, General Jacoby, who commands U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command, said “Today’s threats do not require an East Coast missile field and we do not have plans to do so.”

Ranking Member Smith Calls for Accelerated Transition in Afghanistan

Wed, 09 May 2012 03:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Today, as the House Armed Services Committee proceeds with the markup of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, Ranking Member Adam Smith will offer an amendment to remove sections of the bill that aim to prevent the United States from accelerating the transition of security and governance to the Afghan people.

Ranking Member Smith’s Opening Statement at FY 2013 Nation Defense Authorization Act Markup

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Service Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following opening statement at today’s full committee meeting to markup the FY 2013 Nation Defense Authorization Act:

Ranking Member Smith Seeks to Preserve Civil Liberties, Constitutional Rights

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – As the House Armed Services Committee moves to markup the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act this week, Ranking Member Adam Smith will propose an amendment designed to correct existing law and restore due process rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Release of Full Committee Mark

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement:

“I would like to thank Chairman McKeon, all members of the House Armed Services Committee and committee staff for their hard work and commitment to bipartisanship in drafting this important piece of legislation.

“Overall, this legislation represents a commitment to meet the threats we face today as well as into the future. It also reflects our strong commitment to ensure that the men and women of our Armed Services receive the benefits and support that they deserve for their faithful service.

“I want thank the Chairman for including language that restates current law as it applies to Habeas Corpus, but we must do more to protect the Constitution. We must use this year’s bill as an opportunity to ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system – rights clearly stated in the Constitution. Current law gives the executive branch too much power. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation to address this issue. I fully intend to push an amendment in the spirit of that legislation, and I urge all members who support the Constitution to support my amendment.

“With the recent anniversary of the death of Osama Bin Laden, I would like to point out specifically that this legislation supports our efforts to confront violent extremism head-on. As we have seen time and time again, our military has the ability to track down violent extremists who wish to do our country harm, regardless of where they reside. A large part of that capability is due to the U.S. Special Operations Command, which is a vital part of our military. This legislation continues to build on previous efforts to support their important work.

“This legislation includes several provisions that recognize the strain nearly 10 years of war has placed on our troops. It supports our troops by providing a 1.7 percent pay raise, extending bonuses and special pay and access to family housing for six months. The bill also addresses procedures and regulations for combating sexual assault. I would like to thank all the members of the committee who have worked diligently to make this issue a priority.

“I am also pleased to see the bill places appropriate conditions on aid to Pakistan. It is imperative that Pakistan support our counterterrorism efforts and work to prevent the interdiction of improvised explosive devices IEDs to Afghanistan.

“The bill also includes a number of provisions that help to support small businesses, such as strengthening small business goals and removing barriers that prevent small businesses from competing for Department of Defense contracts. As we move forward with the markup process and work to support economic growth, I would also like to see the committee correct some of the issues related to our export controls and the negative impact they have on the defense industrial base.

“The bill supports investments in science and technology and increased oversight on development of cyber operations capacities. It also helps protect our allies, with investments in programs such as the Iron Dome to shield Israel from missile attacks.

“While there are many good aspects to this legislation, there are also portions and provisions that concern me. Given the size of our debt and deficit and growing budgetary pressures, I am concerned that the top-line number is roughly $8 billion over the Budget Control Agreement. Congress made a commitment to get our budget under control, and I fully expect that the Senate will honor the Budget Control Agreement number. We should do the same.

“We should be looking for ways to spend tax payer dollars more wisely and more effectively. Simply spending more money on defense does not make us safer – spending more wisely and more effectively does. So, as the committee seeks to add funding for new programs, we must be sure that those investments do not balloon into budget busting expenses down the line, as we have seen so many times in the past.

“While this mark represents a good start, moving forward there will be disagreements, and we must continue to resolve our disagreements respectfully and with the same outcome in mind: provide our service men and women with the tools and resources they need to do their job and protect national security.

“Again, I applaud the hard work of the members of this committee and committee staff. This committee always lives up to its commitment to bipartisanship and I expect nothing less as we mark up this important piece of legislation.”

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Ranking Member Smith's Statement on Signing of Strategic Partnership Agreement

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – The Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), released the following statement on the anniversary of the death of Osama Bin Laden and the signing of the Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United States of America:

Ranking Member Langevin’s Statement at Emerging Threats and Capabilities Markup

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Ranking Member James R. Langevin made the following statement at today’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee markup:

Ranking Member Sanchez’ Statement at Strategic Forces Subcommittee Markup

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Loretta Sanchez made the following statement at today’s Strategic Forces subcommittee markup:

Ranking Member Mike McIntyre Statement at Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Markup

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike McIntyre made the following statement at today’s Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee markup:

Ranking Member Susan Davis’ Statement at Military Personnel Subcommittee Markup

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Member Susan Davis made the following statement at today’s Military Personnel subcommittee markup:

Ranking Member Smith Statement at Hearing on Syria

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement at today’s hearing on the situation in Syria:

Ranking Member Smith’s Statement at Hearing on Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement at today’s hearing on the Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula:

Ranking Member Smith to Give Major Speech on the Defense Budget

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:30:00 EST

Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services, will give a major speech on the defense budget at The RAND Corporation on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. With Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget on the House floor this week, and the recent completion of the President’s Strategic Review, Smith’s speech will focus on meeting our strategic national security goals and essential defense funding needs in an environment of fiscal restraint. Ranking Member Smith will offer remarks, and then take questions from the audience.

Where: RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Fourth Floor

When: Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

Who: House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09)

*This event is open to the press. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.

Smith Statement on Meeting with Army Leadership at JBLM

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement following today’s meeting with Army leaders at Joint Base Lewis-McChord:

Ranking Member Smith’s Statement at Hearing on Recent Developments in Afghanistan

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement at today’s hearing on recent developments in Afghanistan:

Congressman Adam Smith, Senator Mark Udall Launch Effort to Protect Any Individual Detained in U.S from Indefinite Detention and Preserve Civil Liberties

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. – 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.