The re-arrest of writer and human rights defender Guo Feixiong in China was the focus of a press conference and hearing held today by Chairman Chris Smith (NJ-04) of the House global human rights subcommittee and co-chairman of the U.S. Congressional-Executive China Commission, along with other Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Guo's wife and daughter and other hearing witnesses tried to bring attention to Guo’s plight. Testifying at a hearing entitled “Guo Feixiong and Freedom of ... Read more

The establishment of a Syrian War Crimes Tribunal will be the topic of a joint hearing Wednesday by the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building: WHEN: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 1:30 p.m. WHAT: Establishing a Syrian War Crimes Tribunal WHERE: 2172 Rayburn House Office Building WHO: Chairman Chris Smith, author of legislation to crea... Read more

On the eve of the first anniversary of the most powerful natural disaster to hit the Northeast, U.S. Cong. Chris Smith told MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell the time has come for the U.S. Senate to act on a bipartisan bill passed by the House in February to help put houses of worship—many of which were severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy and yet continued to serve ravaged coastal communities—on the same playing field with other non-profit organizations seeking disaster assistance. Smith has pointed out ... Read more

Though it does not directly border the Atlantic Ocean, this Monmouth County Township has an expensive Hurricane Sandy cleanup. Wall Township received approval for a $1.6 million FEMA grant award to help pay for the extensive cleanup resulting from Hurricane Sandy, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) said in a Monday press release. “Nearly a year ago Wall was among the towns hit hard by Sandy,” Smith said. “The human costs in terms of disruption of homelife, community and commerce was near immeasurable... Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has announced the awarding of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant for the Lakewood Airport, Lakewood. The $220,500 grant will be used for the removal of obstructions both on and off airport property that now interfere with runway 6/24, according to a press release from the congressman. “These federal dollars designated for debris removal will significantly improve Lakewood Airport operations, allowing planes to more safely use the facility, which serves as ... Read more

Bradley Beach Borough in Monmouth County has received preliminary approval for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The borough was awarded over $1 million to help pay for the extensive repairs that resulted from Superstorm Sandy, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) said today. This award provides $1,076,541 to Bradley Beach to help pay for a project repairing the boardwalk, bulkheads, dune fencing and recreation equipment along the beach which were damaged by Superstorm Sandy.... Read more

Wall Township in Monmouth County has received preliminary approval for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has awarded nearly $1.7 million to help pay for the extensive clean-up that resulted from Superstorm Sandy, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) said Monday. The award provides $1,684,493.01 in Federal funding to Wall to pay for the loading, hauling, and disposal of debris as a result of Superstom Sandy. The Township utilized its own Department of Public Works workfo... Read more

By Asbury Park Press reporter Stephanie Loder - David Goldman of Tinton Falls was among the parents ofAmerican children abducted and wrongfully held at overseas locations who came to Washington Thursday to watch and listen as child abduction and prevention legislation was unanimously approved by the full Foreign Affairs Committee. H.R. 3212, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2013, was written by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., chairman of the Ho... Read more

Agree or disagree with public funding of abortion — a significant majority of Americans oppose subsidizing abortion — but no one likes to be misled, fooled, deceived or defrauded. In the run-up to passage of Obamacare, Americans were repeatedly told and reassured by President Obama himself, including in a speech to a joint session of Congress in October 2009, that “under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortion.” In an 11th-hour ploy to garner the votes of a remnant of pro-life... Read more

Parents of American children abducted and wrongfully held at overseas locations came to Washington today to watch and listen as legislation authored by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House congressional panel that oversees human rights, was unanimously approved in a chorus of yays by the full Foreign Affairs Committee. Left behind parents like Iraqi War veteran ex-Marine Sgt. Mike Elias; David Goldman, whose son was returned only after a 5-year long battle with Brazilian courts... Read more