Today, Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, joined Representatives Lee Zeldin (R-NY), David Cicilline (D-RI), Brian Mast (R-FL), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) in sending a letter, signed by 104 members, to Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nation... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, applauded the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement today that it may withhold funding from California if the state continues to require all insurance companies to cover elective abortion. HHS determined that California is in violation of federal law—known as the Weldon Amendment—which prevents federal funding to recipients that discriminate against health care providers that decline to provi... Read more

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is offering faith-based, community and nonprofit partners the opportunity to participate in an upcoming webinar program about FEMA grants to enhance security at nonprofits, said Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ). “I encourage groups to participate in one of the webinars to learn about a FEMA grant program to improve security,” Smith said. “Faith communities and other non-profits have been... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC— The battle against modern day slavery was the focus of a bipartisan congressional hearing held by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission along with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The main U.S. weapon in the fight to save lives and bring justice to traffickers who ensnare victims of sex and labor trafficking—the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), was front-and center today. “This year marks the twen... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, held a hearing on the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The following are excerpts of his remarks: This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act (TVPA), and the occasion provides an opportunity for reflection and assessment of the TVPAs efficacy, accomplishments and limitations. It also provides us with an opportunity to think about future challenges, m... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), a cosponsor of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (HR 1230), welcomed today’s passage of key legislation pushing reform to provide equal opportunity for older workers in America and legally recognize age discrimination in the workplace. “With close to 35 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 50, we must act now to stop discrimination and ensure fairness and equal opportunity in the workplace,” said, Rep. Smith. Smith cited the Association o... Read more

A hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the effect that the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), authored by Commission Co-Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ) 20 years ago, has had in addressing the scourge of sex and labor trafficking around the world. Signed into law in 2000, the TVPA is a landmark piece of legislation that has impacted various countries’ approaches to human trafficking. With its annual tier ranking of countries based on their efforts at prosecution, protection and p... Read more

As Congress considers legislation to address the rising national concern about ride-share safety, Uber’s announcement this week to use a personal identification system (PIN) is viewed by some as a step forward that also underscores the need for a national Sami’s Law. Title 3 of Sami’s Law (H.R. 4686) mandates new protections through the use of technology, such as a four-digit personal authentication; or a scannable quick response (QR) code on the passenger windows; or other cutting edge success... Read more

Madam Speaker, according to ABC News, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said that the “Dec. 27 attack on the Iraqi base near Kirkuk that killed a U.S. civilian contractor and wounded several U.S. and Iraqi forces…was designed and intended to kill, and [Soleimani] approved it. I know that 100 percent." General Milley said that the trigger for the drone strike that killed Soleimani was "clear, unambiguous intelligence indicating a significant campaign of violence against the Unite... Read more

Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, condemn last night’s stabbing in Monsey, NY, during a Hanukkah celebration: “The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism strongly condemns last night’s anti-Semitic attack in a rabbi’s home in Monsey, NY... Read more