“The ISIS Genocide Declaration: What Next?” is the title of a congressional hearing on Thursday to be held by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and Global Human Rights Subcommittee. “Now that the Administration has determined that religious minorities in Iraq and Syria are victims of genocide by ISIS, the question is ‘what next?’” said Smith. “At our hearing, experts will recommend steps the Administration can take to protect these vulnerable communities and to seek justice i... Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) made the following remarks at a bipartisan press conference he held on the steps of the Capitol today with other House members and Vietnamese rights advocates: President Obama gave up one of the few remaining leverage points that the United States has in exchange for vague promises of expanded port use by the U.S. Navy. This was an epic failure of diplomacy. It was shortsighted, misguided, and failed to advance long-term U.S. interests. Vietnam needs the U.S. market... Read more

At a hearing today of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), CECC Chairman U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) and CECC Co-Chairman Sen. Marco Rubio examined evidence of the Chinese government’s global efforts to stifle discussion of its human rights record and repressive policies. Entitled “The Long Arm of China: Global Efforts to Silence Critics from Tiananmen To Today,” the hearing looked specifically at methods employed by the Chinese government to intimidate, harass, imprison and... Read more

As President Obama prepares for his first trip to Vietnam, the chairman of a congressional panel that oversees international human rights urged the President to emphasize the release of prisoners of conscience and the fundamental right of religious freedom during meetings with Vietnam’s Communist leaders. Chairman Chris Smith (NJ-04), the author of the Vietnam Human Rights Act, H.R. 2140, also urged the President to meet with religious and civil society leaders, bloggers and journalists, and lab... Read more

Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried has submitted a formal request to the United States Postal Service for a unified zip code exclusive to Robbinsville Township. The offices of U.S. Congressman Chris Smith and D-14 Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, along with Robbinsville Township Business Administrator Joy Tozzi, also have been instrumental throughout the nearly three-year process. An official survey detailing the unified zip code will be mailed to residents of Robbinsville, Windsor and any other Robbinsvi... Read more

Human rights and congressional leaders advocating for victims of widespread abuses, religious persecution and political repression at the hands of the Vietnamese Government will gather for a press conference Tuesday in response to President Obama visiting Vietnam. The press conference participants will call for an end to Vietnam’s instruments of repression and the release of all prisoners of conscience. Who: Chairman Chris Smith, (R-NJ) Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and ch... Read more

The House of Representatives late last night approved an emergency spending package to provide $622.1 million to prevent the spread of the Zika virus both in the U.S. and abroad. “Currently no therapeutics exist to treat Zika virus nor is there a vaccine – but that gap need not be forever,” said Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the House congressional panel that oversees global health issues. “Lessons learned from years of malaria mosquito control have applicability to Zika and can prove helpful if... Read more

In an effort to better address the high percentage of unemployment among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, and to highlight the important role small businesses are playing in providing employment opportunities for them, today Congressman Chris Smith (NJ) joined a House Committee on Small Business hearing entitled “Help Wanted: Small Business Providing Opportunities for All.” Today’s hearing focused on the barriers to workforce participation and... Read more

Today, the House of Representatives adopted an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that will ensure military families with a child with autism will continue to have access to a key intervention therapy. US Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), founder and co-chair of the House Autism Caucus and a co-author of the amendment, issued the following statement: “Military life presents unique challenges for children with autism and their families, given the frequent changes of residence and schools, and th... Read more

“Democracy Support Strategies in Africa,” is the title of a congressional hearing chaired Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and Global Human Rights Subcommittee. Officials from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and human rights advocacy groups testified. “The Administration has increased funding for democracy and governance in Africa in the 2017 proposed budget by more than $168 million from the actual FY2015 funding,” said... Read more