Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee (HASC)

Adam Smith, D-9th District, Washington

Responsibilities

As Ranking Member of the HASC, Smith plays a senior role in a committee with legislative jurisdiction over military policy through the annual passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Stated Priorities

• Advocate of self-governance for Palestine and long-term security for Israel, saying it’s “the only path to peace in the region.” 

• Lend military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine to “defend their sovereignty against Putin’s unlawful and unprovoked invasion.”
• A critic of the Seattle Veteran Affairs cuts by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 
• A long-time advocate of reducing waste and inefficiency at DoD, Smith remains a staunch supporter of easing the veteran’s pathway back into the workforce. In the past, he has spearheaded initiatives of support, including the Veterans to Work Pilot Program. 
• Voted against the FY25 NDAA, calling its provision to deny medical coverage to transgender children of military personnel “a biased notion.” 
• Seeks to develop a more “holistic approach to national security” by addressing the global need for access to food and drinking water, by halting the spread of violent extremist groups, and by supporting sustainable global markets and international partners. 

Quote:

“We need to evolve in our national security and defense, posture and policies, particularly as it relates to investment and innovation in technology and our defense industrial base. By doing so, the United States will be better equipped to address the pacing challenge presented by China, the acute threat posed by Russia, and the persistent threats presented by North Korea and Iran.” 

Political and Business Career

• Served on the HASC since 1997. Chairman from 2019-2023.
• Chaired the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, with its jurisdiction over all Army and nearly all Air Force acquisition programs. Also chaired the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee. 
• Served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

• Representative – State of Washington U.S. House of Representatives, 1997-present. Washington’s 9th Congressional District includes parts of King County, including South Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, and Federal Way. The region supports both aerospace and seaport-related industries.  
• State Senator – 1991–1996. Served on the Education and Law and Justice committees, and chaired the Law and Justice Committee (1993-1997).
• Attorney, both private and public practice. Prosecutor for the City of Seattle (1993-1995).

Early Years

Born on June 15, 1965,  Adam Smith grew up in SeaTac, WA, one of two brothers born to Leila and Ben Smith. An active member of the local Machinist’s Union, Ben worked at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport as a ramp serviceman. It’s said that he sparked Adam’s interest in politics at a young age.

Education

• Graduate of Fordham University, BA in political science (1987).
• Graduate of University of Washington School of Law, (JD-1990).

Personal

• Married in 1993 to Sara Bickle-Eldridge, a graduate of the University of Washington and Seattle University School of Law. They have two children.
• Authored a 2023 memoir “Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety”, detailing his long and open struggles with anxiety and chronic pain, and the need for the right treatments.