United States Representative Chris Smith (NJ-04), the Chair of the House Global Human Rights subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, today called on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to provide proof that Bishop Álvarez is alive and to allow the Red Cross to examine the Bishop: “Bishop Álvarez, a courageous and compassionate servant of God, has suffered immensely at the hands of Daniel Ortega’s brutal regime for more than a year now. He reportedly remains unjustly ... Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Chair of a United States congressional Global Human Rights subcommittee and the Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, is calling on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to release Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a well-known Azerbaijani economist and academic whose health has significantly deteriorated after he was unjustly arrested on July 23 in Baku. Professor Ibadoghlu has been a vocal critic of the current government and has worked to increase transparency and hol... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to a recently surfaced grant request by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) asking for research assistance and citing “knowledge gaps” related to its unprecedented offshore wind projects along the Jersey Shore: “Talk about a day late and billions already spent. “For BOEM to concede after the fact that they have ‘knowledge gaps’ is both stunning and shocking and reason to pause the massive industrialization... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver: “Lieutenant Governor Oliver was a longtime public servant who worked hard for New Jersey citizens in local government, in the Assembly, and most recently as Lieutenant Governor. My wife Marie and I appreciate her decades of service and offer our prayers and deep condolences to her family, friends and loved ones as they mourn her loss.” ### Read more

The infant sperm whale lay on its side in the cold sand, sleek and shining in the December sun. Adult sperm whales can grow up to 67 feet and weigh as much as 45 tons. This one was tiny by comparison—weighing about a ton and, at 12 feet long, measuring roughly the size of a kayak. Authorities from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine noted that it was still nursing before it died and speculated that it might have gotten separated from its mother and starved to death. What mad... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)—an international leader in the fight against human trafficking and the author of five comprehensive laws to combat modern-day slavery—today issued the following statement leading up to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30th: “Tragically, on any given day, 27.6 million people across the world are enslaved in forced labor or sex trafficking. This heinous crime—which exploits, enslaves and attacks the dignity of the human person—has no place in our society. W... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today voted to fully fund veterans’ programs and strengthen national security through critical military construction projects as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. “The courageous men and women who have served our country—and have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure our security—deserve the best care a grateful nation can provide,” said Smith, who has authored more than a dozen laws to a... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) spoke this morning with Fox Business reporter Madison Alworth in Middletown about the national security risks posed by thousands of offshore wind turbines—each the size of the Chrysler Building—slated to be installed along the Jersey Shore. Later in the day, retired Navy Commander Kirk Lippold echoed Smith’s concerns on America’s Newsroom on Fox News. The discussions come just days after the House passed a measure authored by Smith requiring a presidential certification ... Read more

A groundbreaking ceremony was held July 21 to celebrate the start of renovations being made to the Ocean County Safe House operated by Providence House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. Providence House provides services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Funds for the renovations, which amounted to $750,000 were secured by New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith. Along with the Congressman, those in attendance included diocesan and Catholic Charities staff as well as local ... Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the House Global Health and Global Human Rights Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding the push to change Liberia’s pro-life laws: “Abortion always ends a baby’s life and also harms the mother—psychologically, spiritually and often physically. Your children—Liberia’s future—are under direct attack, and it is imperative that Liberia’s Congress reject this attempt to remove existing protections for unborn children. Unfortunately, Presid... Read more