This week on Capitol Hill, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, gave the keynote address at the “Ten Years After the 709 Crackdown” symposium, marking the CCP’s brutal campaign targeting human rights defenders and lawyers and calling for justice for Gao Zhisheng and all other persecuted defenders. Click here for Smith’s full remarks. The event, sponsored by ChinaAid and IPK Media, bro... Read more

By Vernonica Fleisher Patch Staff A recent Lacey Township High School graduate got to be celebrated by Rep. Chris Smith before she heads off to become a future U.S. military leader. Katrina Conti, who will be attending the United States Air Force Academy, was one of eight teens in the Fourth Congressional District who were nominated by Smith and selected to attend one of the nation's prestigious military academies. Conti and the other students will join the ranks of the Class of 2029 to eventua... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the House enrollment ceremony where the Speaker signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) after its passage in the House but prior to it being sent to President Trump for his final signature and enactment. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), issued the following statement following the passage of HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: “Today, I voted for and the House passed legislation to secure our economy, the border, and the future for all Am... Read more

Jerry Carino Asbury Park Press In September 1943, shortly after he graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School and turned 18 years old, John Wardell was drafted into the U.S. Army and volunteered for the Rangers — elite troops whose heroism in World War II's European Theater became the stuff of legend. On June 26, Wardell’s courage was recognized on in Washington, D.C., with one of America’s highest civilian honors. The 99-year-old, who lives in Point Pleasant Borough, received the Congressi... Read more

By Jeanne Wall Published June 28, 2025 at 3:18 AM — New Jersey resident and World War II Army Ranger veteran John Wardell was among the heroes honored Thursday during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, recognizing the legendary United States Army Rangers of World War II for their extraordinary service. “John Wardell and his fellow Army Rangers fought with unmatched courage and tenacity under the most difficult conditions, meeting the enemy head-on and overcoming ferocious ... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith meets with Senior Advisor Boulos on DRC-Rwanda peace agreement and critical minerals deal Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, today introduced legislation, HRes 586 Recognizing and applauding President Trump for brokering a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting diplomatic and economic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region—a region plagued by nearly three decade... Read more

From left: Rep. Chris Smith, Pastor Shawn Hyland, Olivia Palutis of Ocean Township (Monmouth County), Aidan Gravelli of Middletown, Ryan Olmeda of Middletown, Jake Dembowski of Middletown, Morgan Zylinski of Lavallette, and Major General (ret.) Tom Garrett. Not pictured: Leila Castell of Shrewsbury Borough, Katrina Conti of Lacey, and Christina Liggio of Colts Neck. Over the course of the next several days, eight students from the Fourth Congressional District who were nominated by Rep. Chris S... Read more

— Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke, along with his family, were guests of Congressman Chris Smith (R-4) and attended the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the United States Army Rangers of World War II held in the U.S. Capitol yesterday to honor his wife Kristen's late grandfather, William Henry Kwasnicki, a WWII Ranger who was wounded three times, received the Purple Heart and also received the Silver Star for gallantry in action on D-Day. Private First Class Kwasnicki was b... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, welcomed today’s United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood, which opened the way for States like South Carolina to redirect Medicaid funding away from abortion giant Planned Parenthood based on its abortion activities and the narrow range of services it offers. Smith said, “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a major victory for South Carolina, which rightly decided to make its federal and st... Read more

New Jersey resident and WWII Army Ranger Veteran, John Wardell was featured today at the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the United States Army Rangers of World War II held in the U.S. Capitol. One of only two surviving Army Ranger veterans to attend the ceremony, PFC Wardell joined the Rangers in 1944, fought in several battles and is a Purple Heart recipient. John, who lives in Point Pleasant, will turn 100 next month. In 2022, Rep. Smith supported the legislation, S 1872, (... Read more