Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), a longtime human rights advocate in Congress, released the following statement on the death of Nelson Mandela:

    "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela," Smith said. "President Mandela waged a long and arduous struggle to end the racist policy of apartheid. In prison for 27 years, he chose the path of truth and reconciliation over violence and famously said that ‘as I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.’"  

    A senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Smith is chairman of the House Africa, Global Health , Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee.