February 9, 2005 - U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) announced that, effective today, he will join the House Judiciary Committee.

As a former City of Seattle prosecutor and Chair of the Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee, judiciary issues have long been a focus for Smith.  “I look forward to bringing my experience as a prosecutor and state judiciary policymaker to the federal level,” Smith said.  

With the Pacific Northwest being recognized as one of the country’s leading areas of technology and biotech, one of Smith’s primary focuses will be on intellectual property protection. He also plans to focus on common sense immigration and crime policy.

The committee also has jurisdiction over a wide range of civil rights issues, about which Smith noted: “I will fight to ensure all Americans are treated equally, without discrimination, and Americans’ basic rights are upheld.”

During Smith’s tenure as Law and Justice Chair in the Washington State Senate, he was named Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Legislator of the Year and enjoyed strong support from the Law Enforcement community.  He was instrumental in reforming the state’s juvenile justice laws and introduced groundbreaking legislation ensuring rights for gays and lesbians.

Smith will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee and the International Relations Committee, focusing on improving the lives of our military personnel and their families, providing cutting-edge technology for the military, and promoting sustainable development and growth around the world.