Honors & Awards Earned by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith

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Honors & Awards Earned by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith

Honors and Awards (Partial Listing)

April 20, 2025, the Victims of Communism recognized Mr. Smith with its annual Medal of Freedom Award, for "his tireless efforts against all forms of tyranny, particularly communism, Chris Smith lives up to the legacy of Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan, two great Americans and principled men of action.”
November 20, 2024, FRC Action recognized Rep. Smith with its 2023 "One Hundred Percent Award" for earning 100 percent on its vote scorecard—a "compilation of significant votes affecting faith, family, and freedom from the most recent congressional session."
October 28, 2024, The Faith & Freedom Coalition's "Friend of the Family Award" for the 118th Congress (2023-2024).
April 16, 2024, The Campaign for Uyghurs, World Uyghur Congress, Uyghur Academy, Uyghur American Association, Center for Uyghur Studies, and Uyghur Human Rights Project jointly recognized Rep. Smith for "his outstanding leadership in Co-Chairing the Congressional Uyghur Caucus," stating that his "advocacy brings hope to Uyghurs in our fight against genocide, making a lasting impact and inspiring future generations."
April 10, 2024, the New Jersey Department of Health's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism awarded Rep. Smith with its "Legislative Champion Award," with the citation "The Council recognizes United States Congressman Chris Smith, representing New Jersey's 4th District, for his ongoing dedication to advance Autism Research," issued by NJ Dept. of Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston, M.D., and Council Chair Dr. Michael Aquino.
February 27, 2024, The Spina Bifida Association recognized Rep. Smith with its 2024 Congressional Champion Award
March 9, 2023, The National Association of Community Health Centers presented Rep. Smith with their "Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award of 2023."
September 29, 2022, The National Retail Federation recognized Rep. Smith as a "2022 Hero of Main Street" for his "continued support of the retail industry."
September 21, 2022, The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) "Rock Star Award" was presented to Rep. Smith in recognition for his "unwavering support of infrastructure and the aggregates industry."
September 20, 2022, The Truck Safety Coalition presented Rep. Smith with their "Congressional Appreciation Award" for "his enduring efforts to make our roads safer."
September 14, 2022, The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) "Guardian of Small Business Award"
May 5, 2022, The Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) Tree Award was presented to Rep. Smith for his "incredible leadership around military families' outdoor access" and "work to connect children, youth, and families with the outdoors."
January 12, 2022, Faith and Freedom Coalition's "Friend of the Family Award" was presented to Rep. Smith in recognition of his "exemplary voting record in the 116th Congress and continued commitment to defending the family, protecting religious liberty, and standing with our ally Israel."
September 16, 2021, The Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey, which includes county clerks, sheriffs and surrogates from across New Jersey, presented Rep. Smith with their federal 2021 Legislator of the Year Award.
September 16, 2021, The National Police Defense Foundation's 2021 Legislator of the Year Award was presented to Rep. Smith for his “outstanding legislative support on behalf of law enforcement” and his efforts and success in authoring laws to combat crime in the United States and around the world.
June 23, 2021, U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCOC) "Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship" for Smith's work during both sessions of the 116th Congress (2019-2021).
March 4, 2021, the 2021 "Congressional Leadership Award," was presented to Rep. Chris Smith by the national organization Autism Speaks for his "leadership on behalf of individuals with autism and their families.”
February 3, 2021, “Defender of Children” 116th Congress. Noting his leadership on human trafficking. First Focus Campaign for Children.
2020 Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) Humanitarian Award
June 9, 2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCOC) inaugural "Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship," citing Smith’s work during the first half of the 116th Congress (2019-2020).
May 12, 2020 Recognized The Richard Lugar Center and Georgetown University's 2020 annual rating of most bipartisan Members of Congress, 6th most bipartisan of 440 Members and Delegates in House.
March 10, 2020 United Nations Foundation 2020 Congressional Leadership Award "For his steadfast leadership in the fight to end malaria."
February 11, 2020 Congressional Lyme Disease Champion "given to those members of Congress who exhibit extraordinary leadership in pursuit of a cure for Lyme disease."
January 3, 2020 Medicare Advantage Champion 2019, presented by the Coalition for Medicare Choices "in appreciation of your ongoing commitment to protect Medicare Advantage for the millions of seniors and individuals who depend on it and to preserve choice and quality for its future beneficiaries."
Oct. 23, 2019 Church World Service 2019 Award for “your many years of friendship and collaboration with the faith community and outstanding work in support of refugee protection and robust humanitarian and poverty- focused international assistance."
Oct. 23, 2019 US Against Alzheimer’s- 2019 Trish Vradenburg Dinner Congressional Champion
Oct. 10, 2019 National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 60 Award "for your continued support of federal employees and their rights to collectively bargain in the workplace."
June 4, 2019 America's Democratic Legacy Award - Anti-Defamation League
March 6, 2019 YMCA Congressional Champion
Dec. 2, 2018, The Bet El Congressional Friends of Israel Award
Nov. 9, 2018 Lives Award - National Marrow Donor Program
Oct. 6, 2018, JAR of Hope 2018 Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy award "Presented to Congressman Smith with our greatest appreciation for your unwavering support and continued commitment."
June 29, 2018— “In recognition of Congressman Chris Smith who has supported the LRRC/CHEMED Health Center since its inception and recognized its mission to serve the healthcare needs of Lakewood and the surrounding communities. Your vision enabled CHEMED Health Center to achieve level 3 PCMH recognition.”
"Friend of the Synagogue" Award - Orthodox Union of America
Handover Heals Foundation Service Award presented to Congressman Chris Smith "In recognition of your Outstanding Achievements and Service to Humanity," - May 26, 2018
Memorial Day Weekend Proclamation to United States Congressman Chris Smith by Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey "honoring the Congressman for his service." May 2018.
Autism Speaks Congressional Leadership Award, 2018
2017 Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund
"Relentless advocacy on behalf of human rights and democracy in Ethiopia" - Ethiopian-American Friends of Chris Smith
2018 Ryan's Hero Award, Ryan's Quest to Fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Lifetime Pathbreaker Award from the anti-sex trafficking group Shared Hope International, presented November 2017
2017 Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Hospital Association
In Defense of Christians (IDC), the 2017 Cedars of God Award
2017 Thomas Jefferson International Religious Freedom Champion Award from the International Religious Freedom Roundtable
Wei Jingsheng Foundation - Human Rights and Freedom Defender Prize
Recipient of the 2017 “Alexander the Great Public Service Award” from the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey
American Heart Association - 2017 National Public Service Award - "In honor of your contribution to 'Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke'"
Congressional Hunger Center - Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Leadership Award
Bread for the World - "For Leadership on Global Food Security and Nutrition"
2017 Truck Safety Leadership Award - Truck Safety Coalition
2017 Champion of Change - National Down Syndrome Society
2017 Distinguished Community Health Advocate - National Association of Community Health Centers
2017 "Ignite 4 Autism, Congressional Champion Award," in recognition of his ongoing commitment to individuals with autism and their families.
2016 "Trafficking In Persons Hero Award” by the Airline Ambassadors for unrelenting fight against human trafficking and those who perpetrate it.
2016 "Order of Timor-Leste" presented to Rep. Smith by Prime Minister of Timor-Leste (East Timor), Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo, and former President and hero of Timorese independence Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in special recognition to those “who have made a significant contribution to the country of Timor Leste, to the Timorese or to all Mankind.”
"Global Food and Nutrition Security Leadership Award" presented by Global Citizen, CARE, and World Vision in recognition of leadership on the Global Food Security Act
2016 “Patriot Award” from InfoAge Science-History Museum, recognizing "men and women of extraordinary caliber who love, support and defend our country and its interests"
National Retail Federation 2016 Hero of Main Street for Continued Support of the Retail Industry
"Dawn's Place 2016 Champion Award" In Recognition of His Work to Abolish Human Trafficking
2016 Dystonia Advocacy Network Distinguished Public Service Award
Recognition of Commitment to Human Rights and Democratic Liberty, Saint Andrew's Freedom Forum
Voices of the Bosnian Genocide 2015 Award recognizing efforts to ensure that the genocide at Srebrenica is acknowledged
American Hungarian Federation's Medal of Freedom, awarded to recognize lifetime achievements, dedication to freedom and democracy
NJ Assn. of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies 2015 Federal Legislator of the Year
Veterans of Foreign Wars 2015 Legislator of the Year
Boat People SOS Vietnamese Human Rights Award
National Retail Federation's 2015 'Hero of Main Street' in honor of Continued Support of the Retail Industry
2015 Healey International Relief Foundation Humanitarian Impact Award in Healthcare
2015 Citizen Power Award - Initiatives for China/Citizen Power for China
Nyumbani Award in recognition and appreciation for untiring efforts to combat HIV AIDS
2015 Leadership Award from the Center for Jewish Life

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Guardian of Small Business Award, 113^th Congress
The Humane Society of the United States & Humane Society Legislative Fund 2014 Legislative Leader
2014 Honorary Trenton Firefighters Award for helping save jobs of firefighters
The Coptic Solidarity 2014 Leadership Award for "work on behalf of the Copts and People of Egypt"
The Humane Society of the United States & Humane Society Legislative Fund 2013 Legislative Leader
2013 Defender of Children by First Focus Campaign for Children
The 2012 Defender Award. Presented by China Aid Association "for defending religious freedom and the rule of law."

The 2012 Easter Seals Advocacy Award for "exemplary commitment to advancing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities or special needs." Smith was selected for helping transform the landscape for people with disabilities and for leading the effort maintain the essential research and services work in 2012. Easter Seals said that
thanks to the tenacity of Smith, his Combating Autism Act enacted in 2011 will support research and services through 2014.

Refugees International's 2012 Congressional Leadership Award. Presented by Sam Waterston in recognition his leadership of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights and his support of issues that have critical impacts on refugees and displaced people.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise” award. Presented in 2012 recognition of his accomplishments and support for “pro-jobs, pro-growth policies” in the first session of the 112th Congress.

National PACE Association (NPA)NPA Public Service Award 2012. Given in recognition of his leadership in helping protect Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as an option for New Jersey seniors. Cong. Smith helped launch the first Medicare-sponsored PACE in New Jersey.
The Humane Society of the United States Humane Champion Award. Presented in 2012 for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2011.
“Defender of Children,” 2012. Awarded for his support of policies that advance the well-being of children, given to 50 Members of the 540 Members of Congress (House, Senate, Delegates from territories) by the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan child advocacy group.
2011 leadership award by Flax Trust-America. Given by the the American branch of the Flax Trust Mission in Belfast, for his leadership efforts, legislative accomplishments and other initiatives in promoting peace and justice iin Northern Ireland.
2011 Distinguished Community Health Advocate. Presented in Ocean County, N.J. by the National Assn. of Community Health Centers for preserving access to quality health care for medically-underserved Americans.
2011 Global Forum Leadership Award. Presented by The American Jewish Committee for his work on anti-Semitism and other humanitarian issues
2011 Man of Distinction Award. Recognized by the Monmouth County Jewish Federation for work on anti-Semitism, human trafficking, child abduction and other humanitarian issues
2011 Appreciation Award and Honorary Firefighter's Helmet. Presented for his roll in helping save more than 60 firefighters facing pending lay-offs
2011 Baltic Democracy Award "in recognition of his outstanding contribution in Congress to security and democracy in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Students for Life of America 2010 Wilberforce Leadership Award
Award of Gratitude from Falun Dafa Practitioners in New Jersey
2010 Legislator of the Year, National Association of Private and Special Education Centers
Award of Recognition from the Allergy & Asthma Network
The Arc Mercer's 2009 Joey Damiano Community Hero Award
2009 Humane Society of the United States Legislative Leader Award
2009 Humanity Award, Prolife World Congress
Award Recognizing Dedication and Support to Lyme Patients, Lyme Disease Association
2009 Max Cleland Lifetime Achievement Award from Veterans & Military Families for Progress
Award of Thanks from Autism Speaks, 2009
National Association of Community Health Centers 2009 Distinguished Community Health Superhero
Award of Appreciation from Keep Infants with Down Syndrome, 2009
Award of Appreciation from the Township of Howell for work on the Evans Case
2008 Public Policy Award from The Marshall Legacy Institute
The Good Samaritan Award from Advocates International
The Presidents Award of the American Association of Blood Banks
Innocents at Risk Award for Leadership in Fight to Stop Human Trafficking
The Central and East European Coalition Award
Leadership in Promoting Human Rights in Vietnam and The World Over
St. Francis Medical Center "Spirit of St. Francis" Award 2008
National Breast Cancer Coalition's Certificate of Excellence 2007
Housing & Community Development Network of NJ Legislator of the Year 2007
Award of Appreciation from New Jersey's Homeless Individuals and Families, 2007
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Spirit of Enterprise Award 2007
American Ireland Fund's Distinguished Leadership Award 2007
Commander's Cross of Merit from the Republic of Hungary
Humane Society of United States' Humane Champion Award 2007
Life Issues Institute President's Award 2007
Family Research Council's "True Blue" Award 2007
American Jewish Committee's Soviet Jewry Liberty Award
Leon H. Sullivan Award of 2007
Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Award: Circle of Honor Award of 2007
Korean American Voters' Council's Human Rights Award of 2007
NJ Water Association's President's Award of 2007
"Srebrenica 1995" Award, 2007
Trenton Diocese's St. Thomas More Award, 2007
Knights of Columbus Respect Life Award, 2007
Society of Ethiopians Established in Diaspora (SEED) Special Recognition Award, 2007
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore's Commodore John Barry Award, 2007
Alzheimer's Association of America's Chairman's Leadership Award, 2006
Irish American Unity Conference Paul O'Dwyer Award, 2006
Autism Society of America Congressional Hero Award
Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislator of the Year
New Jersey VFW Legislator of the Year
Vitae Caring Award--2005
Honored by Ocean Health Initiatives in 2005 "for your ongoing support. Your tireless devotion and energy serves as an example for others to follow, and your leadership is second to none. Indeed, there is no stronger advocate, or better friend, than Congressman Chris Smith."
New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies 2003 Pony Express Federal Leadership Award
Ancient Order of Hibernians Sean MacBride Human Rights Award
National Mental Health Association Legislator of the Year
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 2004 Service Award "in recognition of your tireless dedication to and support of veterans throughout New Jersey and the United states and for being a powerful voice on behalf of your district, your constituents and those in uniform."
Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Public Service Award
Jewish War Veterans Legislator of the Year
New Jersey Broadcasters Association 2002 Award
AmVETS Silver Helmet Award
Proudly Pro Life Award -- National Right to Life Committee Educational Trust Fund -- 1996
N.J. State Postal Workers Leader of the Year for service during anthrax crisis
American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award
Humanitarian of the Year Award from Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton
Order of the Purple Heart Legislator of the Year
National Association of Community Health Centers Distinguished Community Health Defender Award
Vietnam Veterans of America 2003 Legislator of the Year Award
American Hungarian Federation Alexander Boloni Farkas Award
Retired Enlisted Association Award of Excellence
Spina Bifida Association of the Tri State Region Spirit of Life Award
Irish American Unity Conference Patrick Finucane Award
New Jersey Primary Care Association Community Health"Super Hero"
October 19, 2002 declared "Congressman Chris Smith Day" in Brick for work on behalf of people with autism
Award of Merit from the Military Coalition
United Parcel Service (UPS) recognition for consistent support.
Spina Bifida Association of America "Congressional Champion"
Diocese of Trenton's Bishop John C. Reiss Respect Life Award -- 1990
Honored by New Jersey Association of Realtors for work helping veterans
Friends of Navy Lakehurst's Capt. Frank Taylor Evans Outstanding Achievement Award
National Association of State Approving Agencies Award
Northwest Pregnancy Center and Maternity Home Friend for Life Award
Naval Civilian Managers Association
2001 New Jersey State Hibernian Humanitarian Award
National Association for Homeless Veterans Legislative Leadership Award
Values Action Team 2003 Award
Trenton Vets Center Distinguished Service Award
Boy Scouts of America Jersey Shore Council Outstanding Service Award
Vietnamese American Community for work fighting for religious freedom and human rights in Vietnam
2002 Legislator of the Year Award Post
County Veterans Services Officers Award
Blinded American Veterans Foundation George "Buck" Gillispie Award for helping sensory disabled veterans
Honored by the New Jersey General Assembly for being elected Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Immigration and Refugee Services of America (IRSA) Ivan Veit Award for service and commitment to refugees and immigrants.
Honored by the Vietnam Combat Veterans Coalition for dedicated service to POWs and MIAs.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award (Multiple Congresses)
William Wilberforce Award for combating social injustice
American Legion Department Commanders' Appreciation Award
Scleroderma Foundation "Man of the Year"
Sierra Club Clean Air Champion
National Association of State Veterans Homes Distinguished Service Award
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Guardian of Small Business
Disabled American Veterans Outstanding Service Award
National EMS recognition for support of EMS systems.
New Jersey Catholic War Veterans Patriot Award
National Right to Life Committee for outstanding contribution to the defense of life
Irishman of the Year -- the Ocean County Emerald Society
National Committee of Adoption Friend of Adoption Award
Cancer Institute of N.J. Cancer Advocacy Award
VFW Post 3525 Service Award
2001 Courage in the Marketplace Award -- Legatus
American Ambulance Association Legislative Recognition Award
Peace Corps Leader for Peace Award
New Jersey Association of Counties
Plumsted Township Recognition for his work on the BOMARC cleanup project
American Security Council Eagle of Freedom Award
2001 Defender of Life Award -- Pro Life Union of Southeast Pennsylvania
Legislator of the Year -- International Chiropractors Association
Anchor House 1997 Child Advocate Award in "recognition and appreciation of your support and commitment to Anchor House and your dedication to children."
"Share the Vision" Award from the Lyme Research Foundation
Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community Award
Religious Alliance Against Pornography Award
2001 Inspiration Award from the Year United Catholic Music Video Association (UCMVA)
Deborah Heart Foundation Humanitarian of the Year
Citizen of the Year -- the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce
Recognition by St. Cecelia's Parish, Iselin, N.J.
Friend of the National Parks Award from the National Park Conservation Association
Courage to Lead Award from the International Chiropractors Association
Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus
NJARSVRD Award (Senior Citizen Volunteer Retirement Programs)
Non-Commissioned Officers Association 2002 L. Mendel Rivers Award
Man of the Year Award from B'Nai Brith Judean Unit 1351
Citizens for a Sound Economy Jefferson Award
Christian Coalition Friend of the Family Award
Ocean County Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council 1998 Citizen of the Year
Legion of Honor Award of 1998 by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains
Diocese of Metuchen's Diocesan Pro Vita Award 1998
Mayor's Distinguished Service Award, Jackson Township 1998
Alliance for American Innovation 1997 Award "for outstanding support of American innovation and protecting American's independent and small business inventors."