IFPTE Proudly Endorses Adam Smith for Washington’s 9th Congressional District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), representing 90,000 workers across North America, including tens of thousands of working people in Washington State, is proud to endorse Congressman Adam Smith as he seeks reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. IFPTE’s Executive Officers released the following statements of support. 

IFPTE President Matthew Biggs:

“Our union’s endorsement for Congressman Adam Smith is based on the strength of his pro-worker record in Congress, his longstanding relationship with IFPTE, and his willingness to use his leadership position in the House of Representatives to improve the lives of working people in Washington’s 9th District, in the state, and across the country. He has consistently stood with working people, defended collective bargaining rights, and fought to strengthen workers’ voice on the job by supporting labor law reform in the private and public sectors. Over the years, IFPTE has worked with the Congressman to advocate for economic fairness, advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S., federal investments to support American innovation, and the protection of good union jobs from outsourcing and privatization. He has maintained an open-door policy with IFPTE – starting with SPEEA-IFPTE Local 2001, IFPTE Local 12 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and IFPTE Local 8A at the Army Corps and NOAA – reflecting his belief that workers deserve a seat at the table when decisions affecting their livelihoods are made.

Today, the American labor movement is facing the largest unionbusting effort in our nation’s history, due to the Administration’s illegal attack on the bargaining rights for over 1 million federal workers. Rep. Adam Smith has been a key ally for IFPTE federal sector members at the U.S. Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, EPA, and other federal agencies. As the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Smith worked alongside Congressman Donald Norcross to advance an amendment during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that would have restored collective bargaining rights for approximately 770,000 Department of Defense civilian employees. Although the provision was ultimately removed during final negotiations, Congressman Smith has pledged to continue the fight to protect federal workers' union rights. IFPTE looks forward to continuing our work with Rep. Smith in the next Congress as we restore good governance and pass laws that improve the lives of all working people.”

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson:

“Congressman Adam Smith comes from a union household and understands how important unions and building worker power are to securing a path to a prosperous middle class for working Americans. Should Democrats regain the majority in the House next year, he is expected to become Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, one of Congress's most influential positions. In that role, he’ll have significant authority over critical legislation affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees and workers in the aerospace and defense industry. Given his long record of support for and engagement with labor, our union has every reason to believe he will continue using that leadership position to move forward policies that strengthen workers' rights, support good jobs and career pathways, and counter efforts to undermine unions and our democratic institutions.

At a time when workers are facing unprecedented challenges, Congressman Adam Smith has proven that he will stand with workers and stand up for workers’ rights. He has earned our endorsement for reelection, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him in the fight for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all working families.”

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) represents 90,000 highly skilled workers in the private sector, state and local government, and in the federal government.

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 Download a PDF of this press release here.