Legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to combat human trafficking cleared a major hurdle today, winning strong support from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a vote to send the bill to the House Floor for consideration and passage. Named in honor of Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist, Smith’s legislation—the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (HR 5856)—would provide approximately $1 billion over five years to strengthen... Read more

By Bob Vosseller Staff writer Orsted’s cancellation of two ocean wind projects off the coast was welcome news to environmental groups and certain public officials but Governor Phil Murphy was outraged by the announcement. Orsted, a Danish company, explained the cancelation of their Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects stating, “anticipated impairments on its US portfolio of up to DKK 16 billion” or approximately $2.266 billion and said that “the US offshore wind projects have experienced further negative... Read more

By Bob Vosseller STAFF WRITER - Close to 400 people including numerous county officials came out for a vigil in support of the victims impacted by the recent attack by the terrorist group Hamas. The vigil was held at Beth Am Shalom in Lakewood and it was sponsored by Beth Am Shalom, Chabad of Toms River, Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell, Congregation B’nai Israel in Toms River, the JCC of Long Beach Island, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, and Temple Beth Or in Brick. Speakers included ... Read more

With the strong support and vote of Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), the House of Representatives today passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 6126) to provide $14.3 billion in critical military assistance to the US ally as it continues to face an existential threat. “Our great friend and ally Israel—with significant assistance from the United States—continues to respond to the cowardly Hamas invasion that includes Hamas psychotic terrorists butchering innocent civilians... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today welcomed news that Orsted, a Danish company, has announced that it has “ceased development” of two offshore wind turbine projects—Ocean Wind 1 and 2—off the coast of New Jersey. According to an Orsted press release, Orsted cited “anticipated impairments on its US portfolio of up to DKK 16 billion” or approximately $2.266 billion and said that “the US offshore wind projects have experienced further negative developments from adverse impacts relating to supply chains... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, sits down with POLITICO to discuss his ongoing full-court press to help constituents stranded in Israel and his legislation to reimburse Americans for cost of flights out of Israeli war zones. To watch the clip, click here or on the image below: ### Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Global Human Rights Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s trip to China: “Governor Newsom’s trip to China was an excursion based on a naive misunderstanding of China’s repression and ill intentions that will have long-term negative ramifications for American security interests and the brave human rights and democracy advocate... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the Global Human Rights Subcommittee, today issued the following statement marking the 25th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act: “The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998—which was authored by my great friend Congressman Frank Wolf—is landmark legislation that placed the fight for religious freedom on the US foreign policy agenda and has inspired generations of believers and huma... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today issued the following statement congratulating newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA): “Mike is a great friend and lawmaker who relentlessly defends life, liberty, and the rule of law and works tirelessly to promote fiscal responsibility and peace through strength. As the son of a firefighter who was critically burned and disabled in the line of duty, Mike knows all about service and sacrifice. He is a man of deep faith and principle who knows how to get th... Read more

With the strong support of Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, the House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan resolution (HRes 771) reaffirming US support for Israel and condemning the barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas. “Our great friend, and ally Israel—with significant assistance from the United States—continues to respond to the cowardly Hamas invasion that includes Hamas psychotic terrorists butchering innocent civilians, rape, hostage tak... Read more