"Twenty-four years after the barbaric attacks on the World Trade Center, we remember and mourn the nearly 3,000 Americans—147 of which were from Monmouth County and 19 from Ocean County, respectively—who were murdered through acts of incomprehensible terrorism. Today, we not only remember these victims, but we also pray for their families and friends, who had their loved ones ripped from their lives in the most horrific way possible. "We also recall and honor the courageous first responders—the... Read more

Today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the “FREEDOM for Gao Zhisheng Act” (HR 5303), legislation to require a coordinated U.S. strategy to secure the release of human rights defenders and political prisoners unjustly detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Hong Kong authorities. Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) joined Smith as cosponsors of this... Read more

By Kieran Sullivan Published September 11, 2025 JERSEY SHORE — Local officials stressed the importance of a recent bill passed in the House of Representatives appropriating funding for a “state-of-the-art” dredging vessel to address shoaling at the Manasquan Inlet and Shark River Inlet, in addition to other East Coast ports and inlets. On Sept. 4, the House passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for the fiscal year 2026 that includes $50 million in dedicated funds for a new shallow-draft... Read more

At a news conference today hosted by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a panel of doctors and lawmakers launched the bipartisan Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 5160) and discussed its positive impacts on research, healthcare, and treatment in the United States. “We have introduced new legislation, HR 5160, which reauthorizes the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005—a law which I sponsored more than two decades ago,” Smith said. “This legislation will ensure t... Read more

By James Lynch Published September 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM The son of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong businessman and democracy advocate currently imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party, is worried about his father dying in prison if something is not done soon to secure his freedom. One of the world’s most prominent anti-authoritarian dissidents, Lai has been in solitary confinement for the better part of five years on dubious charges brought by the CCP during its crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kon... Read more

New legislation to authorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs was introduced in the House of Representatives Thursday with significant bipartisan support, building momentum for its likely passage this Congress. H.R. 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, authored by Rep. Chris Smith with lead co-sponsor Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), as well as Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Clau... Read more

By Karen Wall, Patch Staff Published Monday, September 8, 2025 at 1:11 PM ET TOMS RIVER, NJ — An effort to get the new Veterans Affairs community-based clinic in Toms River named for a war hero from Ocean County has finally paid off as a bill for the naming has been signed by President Donald Trump. Trump on Friday signed the bill to name the Community Based Outpatient Clinic for Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell, the World War II hero from Ocean County, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith announced. It followed months... Read more

On Friday—just in time for Charlotte Ewart Lomell’s 104th birthday—President Donald Trump signed a new law naming the Veterans’ Clinic in Toms River after her late husband, celebrated local WWII hero Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell. “One of the most decorated Army Rangers of World War II, Bud Lomell served our nation and its veterans with enduring courage and selflessness, and is exceedingly deserving of this posthumous honor,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the former Chairman of the House Veterans Aff... Read more

By Phil Stilton Published September 6, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has signed legislation officially naming the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Toms River after World War II hero Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell, in a move timed just days before the 104th birthday of his widow, Charlotte Ewart Lomell. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who authored the bill, called the tribute fitting recognition for one of the most decorated Army Rangers of the war. “Bud Lomell served our nation and its veterans wit... Read more

By Jersey Shore Online Published September 6, 2025 TOMS RIVER – Just ahead of his widow’s 104th birthday, President Donald Trump signed legislation naming the new Veterans Affairs clinic in Toms River after one of Ocean County’s most revered war heroes, Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell. The bill, authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), honors Lomell, a U.S. Army Ranger credited with helping secure the success of the D-Day invasion during World War II. The new VA Clinic is located on Hooper Avenue in Toms Ri... Read more