Congressman Adam Smith

Representing the 9th District of Washington

Budget

One of our nation’s most important challenges is growing our economy while enhancing broad-based economic opportunities for every American. I support creating a strong economy that allows all Americans to thrive, fulfill their ambitions, and provide for their families.  Since the economic recession, many hardworking Americans have been pushed out of the economy because they can’t find a job or have one that doesn’t pay enough to make ends meet.  Only a small percentage of Americans are sharing in economic growth and income inequality has reached heights not seen since before the Great Depression.  Our nation needs a budget that is focused on expanding economic opportunity, investing in innovation and infrastructure, and creating jobs to strengthen the middle class.   

In recent years, Congress has moved away from the regular order of enacting budgets and then passing twelve separate appropriations bills to fund the government.  Instead it has moved towards a cycle of governing through budget crises, which have created harmful uncertainty for Americans and the economy.  During the disastrous debt ceiling debate in 2011, Congress passed the Budget Control Act, which I opposed. While that legislation temporarily addressed the debt limit, it also stipulated that if Congress did not find $1.2 trillion in savings, harmful and indiscriminate cuts would take effect. These cuts were designed to be so damaging to our national defense, the economy, and other important federal programs, that Congress would be forced to act.  Since then, Congress has only been able to make progress with limited-term budget agreements; particularly the two-year Murray-Ryan budget deal in 2013 that raised spending caps put in place by the earlier Budget Control Act in 2011.  The Murray-Ryan budget concluded this year and a new compromise was needed. 

Moving forward, Congress must eliminate arbitrary budget cuts, as I have long called for, and implement a long-term spending plan that provides certainty to our economy, the Department of Defense, and the entire federal government.  That is why I introduced the Relief from Sequestration Act, to eliminate the mechanism of sequestration entirely after 2018, so Congress can come together to discuss a long-term spending and deficit reduction plan.

As the debate continues about the budget and our nation’s priorities, Congress has a responsibility to the American people to address our fiscal issues in a balanced and effective way.  I will continue to work to create greater certainty for the economy with a responsible budget that supports our working families, invests in innovation and infrastructure, advances comprehensive immigration reform, and creates jobs and strengthens the middle class. 

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More on Budget

Jan 4, 2017 Page

I want to serve my constituents in any way I can. Whether you need help with a federal agency, are trying to find out if federal grants are available for your project, or are considering applying to a service academy, my staff and I are accessible for those who need assistance.

 

Dec 8, 2016 Press Release

“To ensure the continued operation of the federal government, I voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution, also known as the CR.  This legislation extends funding levels for the federal government through April 28, 2017.  Aside from necessary government funding, the bill also contains critical funding for the people of Flint, Michigan, the 21st Century Cures Act, and resources to prevent the continued rise in opioid abuse. 

Sep 27, 2016 Press Release

“The movement of freight is critical for the strength of our economy,” said Congressman Smith. “Investment in our freight transportation infrastructure provides tangible benefits by improving our capacity to move goods and support job creation.”  

Aug 23, 2016 Event

You are invited to join other interested small business owners for a morning event to learn about government contracting opportunities and to learn about various resources that are available to small businesses.

Topics/Panels include:

-Government Contracting Essentials
-Panel of Government agencies facilitated by the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). 
A light breakfast will be provided.

RSVP:

Jun 28, 2016 Event

Congressman Adam Smith
Invites you to attend his upcoming Grants Workshop

Jun 27, 2016 Press Release

In recognition of these important issues, Congressman Smith cosponsored the Money Remittances Improvement Act of 2014 which was signed into law by the President on August 8, 2014, and has met with numerous government officials in attempts to find ways to continue U.S. remittances to Somalia.  Congressman Smith continues to call for the U.S.

Apr 29, 2016 Press Release

“The House Armed Services Committee is maintaining its bipartisan tradition. We worked through a lot of issues throughout the mark-up process, including a number of very controversial provisions. We crafted legislation the way it is supposed to be done. We held productive debates, disagreed, voted, and at the end of the process we passed a very significant piece of legislation.

Apr 22, 2016 Event

Congressman Adam Smith

and

Congressman Jim McDermott

 Invite you to attend their

Small Business Workshop

Friday, April 22, 2016

8:30-11:30am

Apr 7, 2016 Event

Congressman Smith to Host Telephone Town Hall

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith will host a Tele-Town Hall on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

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