On Wednesday November 14, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), joined Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ), Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) in sending a letter to the Acting Secretary of Commerce, Rebecca Blank, supporting Governor Chris Christie’s request for disaster assistance for New Jersey fishermen. Hurricane Sandy did an untold amount of damage to the local fishing industry and infrastructure. “I want to thank Governor Christie for everything he has done for th... Read more

Two packed trucks—loaded with donations for New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy— arrived in Trenton today and were unloaded by a group of volunteers, including Congressman Chris Smith (Robbinsville, NJ), whose district was pummeled by the hurricane. "This is a wonderful act of goodwill and charity on the part of many who want to help New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy,” Smith said. “It is truly heart-felt. On behalf of the people of the Fourth Congressional District and all the hard hits ar... Read more

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today issued a five-day extension of the temporary federal cost share waiver that reimburses communities for 100 percent of emergency power restoration and emergency public transportation expenses related to Hurricane Sandy. Smith, who requested the extension last week as the Nor’easter bore down on the Jersey Shore, said the additional time will allow communities to focus on emergency work and recovery from both Sandy and the Nor’easter. "The Nor’e... Read more

In a letter to President Obama, Cong. Chris Smith (Robbinsville, N.J.) requested an extension of the temporary federal cost share waiver that reimburses communities 100 percent for emergency power restoration and emergency public transportation expenses. An extension would allow communities to focus more quickly and effectively on emergency work and recovery, and remove an obstacle in the rebuilding process. "The current 10-day deadline is simply not enough, especially when you consider that we ... Read more

As China prepares for a once-a-decade transition, there seems to be no shortage of problems its new leadership will face -- from the economic slowdown, rampant corruption, ethnic unrest, a growing rich-poor gap, migration pressures, environmental pollution and ideological disillusionment. The Washington Post asked influential thinkers in China and the United States for their advice to Xi Jinping and others in China's next generation of leaders.... Christopher H. Smith Republican congressman from... Read more

The federal disaster declaration covering New Jersey has today been extended to include all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) services for Mercer County and 11 other county’s not included in President Obama’s previous disaster declarations, said Congressman Chris Smith (Robbinsville, NJ). “This is good news for Mercer towns,” said Smith, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas of the State. “This opens the door for impacted homeowners to apply for individual assistance. It enables ... Read more

Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Richard Serino came to the Fourth Congressional District Thursday to meet with Congressmen Chris Smith (NJ-04) and Jon Runyon of (NJ-03) at FEMA’s facility at Earle Naval Weapons Station in Colts Neck, N.J. Smith also participated in an aerial damage-assessment tour of the region with Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The damage looks awful from the ground and it looks even worse from the air,” Smith said. “People are suffering and we need... Read more

Congressman Chris Smith (Robbinsville, NJ) visited numerous areas along the Jersey Shore areas of Monmouth and Ocean counties over the past week which were hammered by Hurricane Sandy. He offered high praise for the hard work done by local mayors and elected officials, as well as and municipal and county workers responding to the many needs of the public. Residents seeking guidance or assistance on the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration, utility company or related... Read more

This iconic Jersey Shore resort town resembles a war zone in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy. The storm ripped out segments of its boardwalk, which are now strewn over the sand that covers Ocean Avenue. Much of the borough is underwater. Most avenues to the oceanfront from Main Street are blocked by waist-deep water in which some residents must kayak over to get to their homes. Large trees and lamp posts lie on the ground, and power lines dangle from utility poles. There is no electricity anyw... Read more

Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) visited areas in Monmouth and Ocean counties devastated by Hurricane Sandy, joining New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and federal, state, county and municipal emergency responders in Belmar. Smith also visited other sites in his district including Point Pleasant Beach and plans to go to other sites Wednesday. "Hurricane Sandy has brought a level of destruction I’ve never seen," Smith said. "There are homes off their foundations and boats in the streets. There is rubb... Read more