Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House panel on human rights, released the following statement on the death of Otto Warmbier: “My condolences and prayers go out to the parents, family and friends of Otto Warmbier. His death is an unnecessary tragedy that must be laid squarely at the feet of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. “The era of strategic patience is over, the Administration has thankfully moved on from the failed policies of the Obama Administration, but we cannot shy away from ... Read more

The Hellenic Federation of New Jersey bestowed Congressman Chris Smith of Hamilton, NJ with its 2017 Public Service Award for his work in government. The Federation represents 45 Greek associations across the Garden State. The event began with the U.S. National Anthem, followed by the Greek National Anthem. Smith spoke about human rights issues in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, as well as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the recent passage on the House Floor of House Resolution 354. (WATCH SLID... Read more

BY BRANDON SCALEA ROBBINSVILLE -- Township firefighters will receive federal funding to update their medical equipment, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith recently announced. Smith said the Robbinsville Fire Department will be awarded a $22,740 grant from the Department of Homeland Security, through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Smith said in a statement the grant will be used to purchase four defibrillators and one CPR device. The money will cover about 95 percent of the total cost, r... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House panel on global human rights, released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s New Cuba Policy: “I am encouraged by President Trump’s seeking to curtail the flow of funds to the communist Castro regime in Cuba. This is the first step in halting the Obama Administration’s misguided policy—which overlooked egregious human rights abuses, including the regime’s complicity in human trafficking, in order to further his personal ‘legacy.’ I ... Read more

By Salem Solomon, VOA Staff Writer - In 2003, Roger Thurow was a journalist assigned to cover the looming famine in Ethiopia. Upon arriving in the country, he was given a warning by a World Food Program worker who told him that “looking into the eyes of someone dying of hunger becomes a disease of the soul.” Thurow soon found that to be all too true. While visiting the emergency feeding tents he met a little boy named Hagirso who was five years old and weighed under 14 kilograms when his dad ca... Read more

Throughout the East African region, 28 million people are unable to meet even the most basic needs without aid. Today, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House panel on Africa, held a hearing where the root cause of the famine—including and especially man-made conflict—was scrutinized and strategies on how to help mitigate the ongoing suffering were developed. “Famine in Africa and Yemen has been called the worst since World War II, even worse than the catastrophic 2011 famine in East Afr... Read more

This week, the world celebrated individuals who donate blood and thus save the lives of thousands every year. Along with the celebration comes the reminder that, as summer nears, blood donations often take a tumble with vacations and other summer activities overtaking the nation’s attention. “One pint of blood can save up to three lives—the impact a single visit to a donation center can have is remarkable,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), the chairman of the House panel that oversees global healt... Read more

U.S. Representative Chris Smith (NJ-04) held a special ceremony Saturday, June 10 for students from the Fourth Congressional District who will soon be departing for one of the United States Service Academies. Twelve students from Smith’s District received the Congressman’s nomination and were offered appointments to the prestigious institutions, and those attending received flags which Smith had flown over the United States Capitol in the students’ honor. “It was hard work that got you here; it ... Read more

Congressman Chris Smith held a reception Saturday, June 10 in Monmouth County for a dozen students who recently received appointments to the U.S. military academies. Smith has 12 nominees joining the class of 2021 this fall. Since elected to Congress, Smith has nominated 229 students who received appointments to a military academy: 40 to the Air Force; 60 to West Point; 48 to the Merchant Marine, and; 90 to the Navy. Smith discussed the importance of the service academies and how they prepare th... Read more

In response to the growing crisis of food access in Africa, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House panel on Africa, will be holding a hearing entitled, “Africa’s Current and Potential Famines.” At the hearing, three leading experts will deliver testimony on what can be done about the current crisis, and how similar events can be prevented. “Global famines in 2017 have been labelled the worst since World War II, with 28 million people needing humanitarian assistance in East Africa alone,... Read more