Congressman Adam Smith, of Washington’s 9th Congressional District, is a senior member in the House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress and serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Given his current and previous committee assignments and extensive travel, Congressman Smith has unique insights into today’s major national security issues throughout the Middle East, including the war in Afghanistan, as well as Northern Africa and efforts to stop the spread of violent extremist groups and their ideology around the globe. Understanding the need for a holistic approach to national security, Adam recognizes the importance of poverty reduction, access to education, sustainable global markets, diplomatic engagement, good governance and other measures to enable our pursuit of stable international partners. As such, he has been a long-time advocate of strengthening American diplomacy and development as well as defense.