Local Economy and Business
Several years after our country was thrust into the worst economic crisis in generation, the outlook in Washington State and many areas throughout the United States is gradually improving. Congress responded to the crisis with multiple initiatives to prevent a much deeper economic disaster, but we are not out of the woods yet. There is still much work to do to create good jobs, lower the employment rate, and create the conditions that encourage Washington State businesses to grow.
Government cannot create the spark of ingenuity for a new product nor the drive to turn a good idea into a flourishing business venture. However, it is critical that government create an environment that encourages new enterprises to be launched and the conditions for businesses of all sizes to succeed.
It is essential that government work to support the education of a world-class workforce for the challenges of today and opportunities of tomorrow, reward innovation, get our deficit under control, and improve our aging infrastructure to meet the needs of the modern economy. We must set the stage for successful entrepreneurship and growth today and in the future.
Congress also has a responsibility to address our fiscal issues in a balanced and effective way that strengthens the fundamentals of our economy. We need to take steps to address our long-term budget challenges while making the smart investments in the future that workers and industry need.
There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to implement sound, forward-thinking policies focused on job creation, growing the economy, supporting businesses, and strengthening the middle class. Policy and business leaders must work together to advance the competitiveness of U.S. products, spur innovation, and provide global leadership now and into the future.
I am committed to working with my colleagues to advance a common-sense, pro-growth policy agenda to move our country in the right direction.
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More on Local Economy and Business
Washington, D.C.- Today, Senator Sherrod Brown introduced a Senate companion bill to the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act of 2014, introduced by Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA), Sander Levin (D-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Charles B. Rangel (D-MI). These bills would renew TAA, which is set to expire on December 31, 2014. Reps. Smith, Levin, Rangel, and Kilmer released the following statement calling for the immediate passage of the TAA:
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the President asked the Federal Communications Commission to protect net neutrality:
“I applaud President Obama for coming out strongly in favor of net neutrality. An open internet is critical in promoting innovation, economic growth, and accessibility to information, and we must ensure that it remains free and open. For these reasons, I believe the FCC should implement a strong rule that protects net neutrality.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after passage of H.R. 2887, the Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011:
“I support the passage of this bill to avoid a repeat of the harmful August Federal Aviation Administration shutdown that cost 4,000 federal employees and 70,000 construction workers part of their paychecks.
“Small business is the key to our country’s economic future. During National Small Business Week, we honor the accomplishments of dedicated entrepreneurs, whose innovation, risk-taking, and hard work represents the economic engine of our nation.
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on participating in the Washington Innovation Summit’s panel, “How Washington Wins: Pulling Together the Drivers of Growth,” at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond: