He developed a reputation as a centrist legislator focused on practical problem-solving. In 1996, he was elected to Congress.

In Congress, Smith has continued to provide thoughtful, common sense leadership. He is a leader of the centrist House New Democrat Coalition and aggressively seeks innovative, market-based solutions to our country's challenges. Adam has become one of the House's experts on technology, telecommunications, and economic growth issues, including digital signature, broadband, and export controls.

Understanding that a key component of economic growth is a government that has a balanced budget and that is paying down its debt, Adam is also known as a fiscal conservative, who has taken tough votes to balance the budget and reduce the debt.

As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Adam is an advocate of modernizing the military, streamlining procurement practices, and of encouraging the Department of Defense to leverage new technologies. He also believes that our Armed Forces must have the most sophisticated and advanced weapons systems in the world. Utilization of technology both in the Department of Defense and in the field are top priorities.

Adam also serves on the House Resources Committee and as the Ranking Member of the Water and Power Subcommittee, where he has focused on energy issues and protecting our public lands.
Throughout his service to his country and the people of the South Puget Sound region, Adam has remained committed to the idea that government should be more efficient and more responsive to the needs of people. Adam has earned a reputation as someone who avoids partisan bickering and needless government bashing, and instead works hard to solve real problems that matter.

Commitment to the Ninth District
Understanding that constant communication is the key to good representative government, Adam goes door-to-door in the Ninth District, holds town hall meetings, and has established many Advisory Councils that he meets with on a quarterly basis, such as the Small Business Advisory Council, Technology Advisory Council, Senior Advisory Council, and Agriculture Adisory Council. These Councils are always open to new members, and Adam has found them to be an invaluable source of ideas, suggestions, and problem-solving.

Personal
Adam married Sara Bickle-Eldridge, a native of Spokane, in August of 1993. Sara, a graduate of Seattle University Law School, and Adam are both involved in community affairs and organizations throughout the region. In July of 2000, they welcomed their first child, daughter Kendall Charlotte, into their family. They live in Northeast Tacoma.