WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in tribute to the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which was officially designated the last combat brigade to leave Iraq under Obama's plan to end combat operations in Iraq by Aug. 31.

“The troops stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have born the brunt of the conflict in Iraq – they have been there since day one, and are now the last combat forces to leave. Many of them have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. These soldiers have sacrificed greatly, and I salute their service. They deserve our utmost respect and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the veterans of this conflict receive the benefits and support they deserve.

“While our role in Iraq is not yet finished, our combat operations are. Many of our nation’s finest men and women are no longer in harm's way and they should be commended for a job well done. The Iraqi people face difficult times ahead, but they have the promise of a brighter future - a future void of tyranny. A brighter future for Iraqis also means greater security for America. The military personnel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord played a vital role in our efforts in Iraq and we can all be proud of their service.”

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Date Title
12/5/12 Rep. Adam Smith to Continue as House Armed Services Ranking Member
Date Title
11/19/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith Reacts to the Conflict in Israel, Gaza
11/16/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on Release of Ali Musa Daqduq
11/14/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith Responds to Attacks on Susan Rice
11/10/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement in Observance of Veterans Day
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9/29/12 Smith Responds to Attacks on Ambassador Susan Rice
9/20/12 Smith Statement on the Anniversary of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal
9/20/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement at Sequestration Hearing
9/19/12 Ranking Member Smith to Discuss U.S.-Russia Relations
9/14/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Sequestration Report
9/12/12 Ranking Member Smith Statement on Attack in Libya
9/12/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement at Operational Contracting Support Hearing
9/11/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement on Anniversary of September 11th
9/11/12 Ranking Member Smith to Discuss Detention Policy, Civil Liberties, National Security
9/5/12 Ranking Member Smith Statement on “Insider Attacks” in Afghanistan
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8/2/12 Ranking Member Smith, Chairman McKeon Statement Following Briefing on Sexual Assault Incidents at Lackland Air Force Base
8/1/12 Ranking Member Smith Expresses Displeasure with Tone of Sequestration Hearing
8/1/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement at Hearing with OMB Director Zients, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter
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7/30/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement on WARN Act Announcement
7/26/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith Applauds Senators Graham, Kyl for Stance on Sequestration
7/25/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith’s Statement at Joint Hearing with Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
7/18/12 Ranking Member Smith’s Statement at Hearing on Sequestration: Industry Perspectives
7/10/12 Ranking Member Adam Smith to Give Speech on National Security Challenges in Africa
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6/28/12 Smith Spearheads Effort for Equal Treatment of Military Spouses
6/25/12 Smith: Time for Republicans and Democrats to Work Together to Stop Sequestration