News

Washington, D.C. - Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding the Comcast-NBCU merger.

Chairman Smith: I am pleased that the Justice Department, FCC, Comcast, and NBC Universal were all able to agree on merger terms that they believe will promote competition and innovation. However, I am disappointed that the review took so long. The merger was announced more than a year ago and the Justice Department and FCC could have conducted a more expeditious review.

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) today introduced a bill to close a dangerous loophole in America's federal drug laws. The loophole allows drug trafficking organizations in the U.S. to plot their international drug shipments without fear of domestic prosecution.

The Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit plotting to traffic drugs internationally when the plot takes place in the U.S., even when the drugs never come to this country.

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding the GAO's report on E-Verify:

Washington, DC - Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) issued the following statement today in response to a report from the Center for American Progress and Immigration Policy Center. 

“The fact is that illegal immigrants take jobs from American workers, particularly poor and disadvantaged citizens and legal immigrants. Even the study admits that the best outcome for American low-skilled workers is the removal of the illegal immigrant population. 

“The very jobs that illegal immigrants occupy rightfully belong to out of work citizens and legal immigrants. 

Washington, D.C. -Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today announced the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee chairmen for the 112th Congress.

Chairman Smith: “The House Judiciary Committee is often referred to as the guardian of the Constitution. Our members have a solemn duty to protect the principles of liberty, equality and justice for all Americans.

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today outlined the Committee’s role in the upcoming debate on the vote to repeal Democrats’ misguided government takeover of health care.

Washington, D.C. - Chairman Elect Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today announced the reorganization of the House Judiciary Committee, including the addition of an Intellectual Property Subcommittee. 

Chairman Elect Smith: “As Chairman, I plan to focus on efforts to strengthen national security, protect intellectual property, prevent frivolous lawsuits and keep children safe from Internet sex predators. Much of that work will begin in the subcommittees. The reorganization will help the Committee remain focused on priority issues for the American people.  

Washington, D.C. - The House Republican Steering Committee today approved adding nine Republican Members to the Judiciary Committee. Chairman Elect Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the new members:

Chairman Elect Smith: “The House Judiciary Committee is often referred to as the guardian of the Constitution.  We have a responsibility to protect the principles of liberty, equality and justice for all Americans.