Mr. Chair, we stumbled into a conflict in the dumbest way imaginable. In the history of the United States of America, we have made some mistakes in wars. This was about as idiotic a thing as I have ever seen, and the cost is to the global economy, our reputation, instability in the Middle East, the loss of service members, and thousands of people wounded. I know a lot of people say, well, it is terrible because Trump never had a plan. It is actually a hell of a lot worse than that. He had a plan. His plan was that he was going to bomb Iran for 4 weeks, and they were going to give up.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+100$787K raised
Adam Smith
Representative · Washington · Democrat
Adam Smith
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chair, first of all, I thank everyone involved in the process. We do this every year, but I think it is really important that we recognize the people who did all of the work to make this bill possible--certainly, the HASC staff, my able team behind me and the team that serves Mr. Rogers and serves the full committee. We worked in a bipartisan way through well over a thousand amendments and two or three times that many ideas to craft together a very large piece of incredibly important legislation. That work should not go unrecognized.
Mr. Chair, if we just stick at it long enough, we will be done. There is no plan. There is no plan to bomb a target that is going to make Iran change their mind. We have to stand up and say, no, we can't do those things, and I say all of that again. I want to get us back to a reasonable place where we can have a bipartisan agreement, and I hope in the next couple of months we will get there. I really want people to understand how unprecedented this moment is that we are in.
Biography
Adam Smith began his career as a prosecutor, working to ensure public safety in his community. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington’s 9th District in 1996, he has focused on national security, workforce development, and expanding access to health care. As a long-serving member and current Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Smith has shaped major defense policy legislation and advocated for military personnel and veterans. He approaches his role with a pragmatic, constituent-focused style, consistently engaging with diverse communities to represent their interests in Congress.
Education
- J.D., University of Washington, Seattle, Washington1990
- B.A. in Political Science, Fordham University, Bronx, NY1987
Professional History
U.S. Representative
1997–PresentRepresented Washington's 9th congressional district for 15 terms.
Pro Tem Judge, City of Seattle
1996Served temporarily as a pro tem judge in Seattle Municipal Court.
Washington State Senator
1991–1997Elected to the Washington State Senate in 1990 at age 25, representing a district in the Seattle area.
Prosecutor, City of Seattle
Worked briefly as a prosecutor for the city of Seattle after earning his law degree.
Policy Focus
Health16%
Transportation and Public Works13%
Armed Forces and National Security8%
Labor and Employment8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Adam Smith's record in Congress.
National Defense Authorization Act Leadership
Chaired the House Armed Services Committee and led passage of multiple annual defense authorization bills.
Military Base Realignment
Secured funding and support for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, enhancing military readiness and local economic impact.
Veterans' Mental Health Access
Advocated for expanded mental health services for veterans, including improved access through the VA system.
Transportation Infrastructure Funding
Helped obtain federal funding for transportation projects in Washington’s 9th District, improving local transit and roads.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Armed ServicesRanking Member
Rep. Adam Smith FAQ
Reach Washington Lawmakers
Representative Smith focuses on Health, Transportation and Public Works and Armed Forces and National Security. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Washington's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign