Tag: military

Smith Statement on Trump Request for Military Parade

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement about President Trump’s reported request that the Department of Defense organize him a massive military parade: “I am greatly concerned by the reports that President Trump is requesting the Defense Department put together a self-aggrandizing military parade. That would … READ MORE

Smith Statement on Trump Expansion of Program Giving Surplus Military Equipment to Law Enforcement Agencies

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about President Trump’s announced expansion of surplus military equipment transfers to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies under the 1033 program: “This is a dangerous decision. After a careful interagency review, the Obama administration halted the provision of surplus armored vehicles, bayonets, grenade … READ MORE

MORE THAN 50 HOUSE ARMED SERVICES, JUDICIARY & LGBT EQUALITY CAUCUS DEMOCRATS URGE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE & JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF TO NOT COMPLY WITH TRUMP’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL TRANSGENDER BAN

Washington, D.C. – More than 50 Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee, Judiciary Committee, and the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus today wrote to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. to urge that they not comply with any unconstitutional directive to ban transgender individuals from serving in … READ MORE

Smith Statement on Trump Remarks and Politicization of the Military

Washington, DC – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about President Trump’s remarks to service members at the commissioning of the USS Ford urging members of the military to lobby Congress on his behalf:‎ “I condemn President Trump’s remarks. We need to be one-hundred percent clear that it is utterly beyond … READ MORE

Smith Statement on the Defense Department’s New Policy on Transgender Servicemembers

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Defense Department’s newly announced policy on transgender servicemembers: “This policy is an important step toward ensuring that our military is strong and inclusive. It will protect the rights of transgender individuals who already … READ MORE

Ranking Member Adam Smith Statement on Secretary Carter’s Announcement to Open All Combat Positions to Women

  Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary Carter will allow for all military positions to be open to women: I applaud Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for taking action on policy guidelines that close certain combat occupations to women. As a result of these changes, anyone, regardless … READ MORE