Adam Smith
DHappy National Teachers Day to all of our educators in WA-09. Your dedication and kindness motivate young learners in classrooms and raises the next generation of leaders. Thanks for all your work. https://t.co/NCcOH2Q6cy
I am concerned about the fascist takeover of America. https://t.co/wI5SPtaK93
Donald Trump has spent over $1.8 billion on vanity projects, including his ballroom, golden arch, and helipad. Instead, this money could be used to pay 12 million monthly electric bills, cover rent payments for nearly 950,000 Americans, fill more than 15 million potholes, buy a month’s worth of groceries for 1.8 million families, hire more than 25,000 more teachers, and enroll over 110,000 students in HeadStart program. The President needs to get his priorities straight.
Join us on Tuesday, October 27th for the Annual Taste of the 9th! Event Details: Time & Date — Tuesday October 27th @ 6:00 PM Location — Des Moines, WA (Address provided upon RSVP) RSVP Form — https://t.co/UX2Xlf8d9j https://t.co/TyFfRtUjSx
2.1 million college-educated immigrant adults are unemployed or underemployed. Today, I introduced the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act to incentivize states to welcome highly educated, skilled immigrant workers to apply for their medical license. These individuals have gone through rigorous training to become medical professionals and are ready to join the workforce if given the opportunity.
As someone who has had their own struggles with mental health, it’s important that our federal legislation supports those in need by providing necessary resources and counseling to help get them on the right track. In 2008, Congress passed the Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act to do just that. I’m continuing to work to add more mental health resources in our community and give aid to those needing extra insurance coverage for this treatment.
The nursing and allied health workforces face critical shortages, with up to 200,000 additional nurses needed each year. I’ve introduced the Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act to help break down barriers to ensure immigrants can fill these positions and build our health care workforce. Taking steps to incentivize and support immigrants entering the health care field can help reverse the trend of brain waste in our country, increase the health care workforce, and expand quality, accessible, and culturally competent care for our communities.
Yesterday, almost 11,000 legal residents in Washington lost health insurance because of President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. Refugees, asylum-seekers, and other lawful immigrants who rely on Apple Health are more likely to get sicker and increase costs for those remaining in the system. This is devastating for the health care system across our state. https://t.co/2Mybl45S5y
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2026) – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act and the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act, two bills to help immigrants enter the U.S. health care workforce and address the nation's growing shortage of health care providers. A 2022 study by the Migration Policy Institute found that 2.1 million college-educated immigrants are unemployed or underemployed, even as sectors like health care face mounting workforce shortages — including a projected shortfall of up to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. “We have thousands of skilled nurses, doctors, and health professionals in this country whose training and expertise are going to waste because their professional expertise is not recognized and they face numerous barriers to achieve the needed licensure. At the same time, our health care system is stretched thin and patients are waiting longer for care,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “This bill package helps immigrants put their skills to work and serve their communities and will rebuild the health care system.” “Skilled doctors, nurses, and other health professionals should have the opportunity to put their training and expertise to work caring for patients,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “Our legislation would help qualified immigrants overcome unnecessary barriers to entering the health care workforce while helping communities address critical provider shortages. When we make better use of the talent already in our communities, we strengthen our health care system and expand access to care.” Statements of Support “Across the U.S., communities face critical health workforce shortages, yet immigrant and refugee health professionals—who possess in-demand skills—remain underemployed. Communities need this talent, and recognizing it is an essential step. By streamlining licensure and addressing unnecessary barriers, we can meet urgent labor needs and improve access to quality care. We support efforts, including at the state and federal levels, to advance policies that promote community prosperity by ensuring that immigrants can fully contribute their training and skills to their local economy.” - Kit Taintor, Head of US Policy and Practice, World Education Services (WES) “We are proud to support these bills, which will expand opportunities for immigrant professionals while helping address critical workforce shortages in the healthcare sector," said Alice Kang, President of Upwardly Global. "With demand for healthcare workers rising nationwide, we should be creating pathways that allow qualified immigrants and refugees to contribute their expertise. This legislation will strengthen our healthcare system, bolster the economy and support safer, more resilient communities. Upwardly Global will continue to stand with Rep. Smith in moving this work forward.” "Many members of our team hold advanced education and expertise in medicine, nursing, and behavioral health. Yet they are unable to practice here due to costly additional education requirements and complex licensing procedures. At a time when we are confronted with a significant healthcare provider shortage—and as we work to diversify the healthcare workforce—it is critical to consider policies that create pathways for these highly skilled professionals to contribute to patient care,” said Tamara Cyhan Cunitz, MN, RN, Executive Director, Nashi Immigrants Health Board. “These bills introduced by Rep. Smith would expand opportunities for immigrant healthcare professionals to serve patients in our community and region. These measures would not only strengthen our workforce with qualified providers but also enable community members to receive care from clinicians who understand their language and cultural background.” Background The Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act would help immigrants, regardless of previous health care experience, enter the nursing and allied health workforce by: Creating grants for programs that provide training, licensing, certification, and case management for immigrants interested in entering the health care field; and Opening eligibility for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to non-U.S.-citizen immigrants. An estimated 200,000 nurses per year will need to be hired to meet increased demand and replace retiring nurses. This bill supports immigrants entering nursing or an allied health profession, including dental hygienists, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists. A fact sheet about the Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act can be found here. The bill text can be found here. The Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act would help internationally trained physicians (ITPs) obtain a U.S. medical license by: Incentivizing states to create temporary licensing programs allowing internationally educated immigrants with medical degrees to practice under supervision while completing the training and certification needed for a U.S. medical license; Establishing guaranteed medical residency slots for ITPs to practice in predominantly medically underserved communities; and Providing grants to help cover the cost of exam preparation, testing, certification, ESL classes, and case management for ITPs in need of financial assistance. Apart from Canada, internationally trained physicians cannot immediately apply to sit for the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), and the cost of licensing, test preparation, and certification often puts a U.S. medical license out of reach, even for highly trained professionals. Many states have created alternative licensure pathways, but more must be done at the federal level to support these reforms nationwide to expand high-quality health care access. A fact sheet about the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act can be found here. The bill text can be found here. Endorsements: International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), Nashi Immigrants Health Board, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Sea Mar Community Health Center, Seattle Indian Health Board, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Upwardly Global, World Education Services (WES) ###
This morning I joined Kiro 97.3 Morning News to discuss the headlines. Take a listen if you missed it this morning: https://t.co/jOI4yqjTPN https://t.co/JahluHjLkl
Special thanks to our local representatives for sitting down with me yesterday for an immigration round table. We must work together to make sure than ICE detention facilities uphold the rights of all detainees, including legal representation, medical care, general hygiene, and safe entry. I’ve introduced the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act with Rep. Jayapal because every individual deserves to be treated with basic respect, regardless of immigration status. I will continue to work with our state partners to address ongoing concerns about ICE detention facilities and ensure fair treatment of those in our immigration system.
We must reform campaign finance laws. https://t.co/tHd769HNLj
Yesterday, I joined KUOW's Soundside Podcast to answer your questions. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://t.co/nrCSLlRj7y
Thanks to those from Washington Trails Association, @waDNR, and @UW_SEFS for joining me at an Environmental Roundtable in Seattle. I remain committed to backing our public lands and working across our state to restore forest fire damage. Thanks for taking the time. https://t.co/YclQjy8gpG
The Trump administration fundamentally doesn't believe in the rules of representative democracy. https://t.co/8q8Me4zYq2
For almost 50 years, millions of Americans have relied on food assistance or SNAP benefits to provide necessary resources to put food on the table for their families. As the Trump administration touts kicking 6 million people off of this food support, know that this is in no way helping our low-income neighbors—it's leaving them hungry and vulnerable.
Trump wants to end our representative democracy and replace it with an autocratic form of government. https://t.co/fnPRHN75Pz
The President and his policies are deeply unpopular. https://t.co/bBp1becJCt
5 million Americans, including 1.5 million children, have been kicked off food assistance since President Trump signed his so-called Big, Beautiful Bill. Both in the Ninth District and across the country, kids are missing meals so that Republicans can give tax cuts to their billionaire donors. We need SNAP to feed hungry mouths, rather than to finance big corporations.
Just one month left to submit to the Congressional App Challenge! Any interested middle and high school students may register and submit their applications before October 26 at 9 a.m. PT. For more information, visit https://t.co/w6BomhWqMQ
Today, we celebrate National Public Lands Day, a time to recognize the natural beauty of our nation and protect parks, forests, and waterways throughout the United States. There is free admission to all federal public lands today, so be sure to stop by some of the amazing sites in Washington.
Today marks Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, when we honor the family members of our fallen service members. Our nation’s military members dedicate their lives in service to protecting our country, while their loved ones carry the profound loss of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To all Gold Star families, thank you for your strength and patriotism to the United States. We remember and honor your loved ones and the legacy they leave behind.
Happy Sukkot to everyone celebrating in WA-09! Chag Sameach to you all.
Last week, House Republicans decided that campaigning is more important than lowering costs for American families, causing them to cancel votes until after Election Day. Hardworking people across the country are spending more on groceries, housing, and energy. Congress should be in D.C. working to better the lives of their constituents.
Trump aspires to be Kim Jong Un or President Xi or Putin to lead a country where he's the absolute dictator. https://t.co/e7KwbOvF3P