Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), author of the bipartisan Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act (H.R. 2435) with lead Democrat co-sponsor Adam Smith of (D-WA), hailed the passage today of the bill which will provide increased access to federal lands for the purposes of veterans’ medical therapy. “Research has increasingly shown that outdoor recreation can be an effective form of treatment, rehabilitation, and healing for veterans. While many nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, ... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and ranking member of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, took to the House floor today during debate on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Below are excerpts of his remarks: “At a 2018 congressional hearing I cochaired, Mihrigul Tursun recounted her ordeal of torture, sexual abuse and detention in one of China’s “mass internment camps” in Xinjiang,” Smith said. “She broke down weeping telling us th... Read more

Trenton Water Works should be lead free in 10 years, argues Congressman Chris Smith of Hamilton Township. The Republican lawmaker has introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require large public water systems like TWW to replace all lead service lines within a decade. “Congress must act on this critical legislation that’s long overdue and can make drinking water safer for generations of Americans,” Smith said in a press statement last month. “People need... Read more

By Laura D.C. Kolnoski Earthmovers are clearing a 12-acre site as work commences on the Soldier On veterans residential community near Seabrook Village on Essex Road. That milestone was marked Saturday when local, county, state and federal officials gathered for a “celebration” of moving the $23 million facility closer to reality. Among those in attendance were U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R, NJ-4), State Sen. Vin Gopal (D, NJ-11), and former Tinton Falls mayor Gerald Turning and former borough counc... Read more

“I convey my deepest condolences to the family of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on her passing after a long, arduous and brave struggle with cancer. "In the many remembrances of Justice Ginsburg, the one that I believe is most inspiring for this current time was her friendship with the late Justice Antonin Scalia which began when both served on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice Scalia once told an audience before Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined him at the Supreme Court, 'I have mis... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), voted for and applauds Thursday’s House passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill to remove discrimination in the workplace and promote women's health and job security. “Discrimination against pregnant women anywhere—especially and including in the workforce—is despicable,” said Smith. “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act clarifies and expands existing anti-discrimination laws by requiring employers provide reasonable workplace accommodations for pre... Read more

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE (CNS) - A Catholic congressman who is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee called the Middle East peace accord signed Sept. 15 at the White House a "momentous pact" he hopes "is the beginning of several future peace accords to strengthen peace within the region." "The United States has again brought strength to Israel – one of our strongest allies in the region – and strength brings peace,'" U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, said in a statement. Smith ... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, attended today’s historic signing of the Abraham Peace Accords at the White House with President and Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani of the Kingdom of Bahrain. “It was an honor to witne... Read more

By Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff — This past Saturday, Sept. 12 saw the start of construction on a $23 million, 70-unit apartment community in Tinton Falls for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including veterans transitioning from homelessness. Construction of the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village will be directed by WinnDevelopment, the development arm of U.S. affordable housing leader WinnCompanies. The project will feature a four-story building with 70 one-bedroom apartments that will be av... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), who worked with local officials for a decade to bring a modern housing project and services to homeless veterans, was one of the guest speakers today at a groundbreaking for the innovative housing complex in Monmouth County. Smith said Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry was “the quarterback” in the effort to see the project through to fruition. “I have been proud to do my part in finding a Monmouth County home for Soldier On, and I promise you I will continue to b... Read more