Statements and posts
66 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Published October 3, 2026 at 1:46 AM MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES, NJ — In the aftermath of last week’s powerful Nor’easter, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith led a group of federal, state and local officials on a tour of several shore communities to…
“Today, an impressive, comprehensive group of experts—with extensive backgrounds in environmental, structural engineering, and beach replenishment initiatives—came together to not only survey the severe damage wrought by last week’s Nor’easter, but also to collaborate on creative solutions for immediate needs and future…”
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Published October 2, 2026 5:00am ET EXCLUSIVE — Congressional Republicans are ramping up pressure on the Trump administration to strengthen protections for infants born with disabilities following the heated custody battle between a…
“strengthen the protection available for vulnerable newborns and their parents.”
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Smith leads intergovernmental survey of Nor’easter damage across NJ-04 shore towns
Led intergovernmental survey of Nor'easter damage in New Jersey shore towns.
“Today, an impressive, comprehensive group of experts—with extensive backgrounds in environmental, structural engineering, and beach replenishment initiatives—came together to not only survey the severe damage wrought by last week’s Nor’easter, but also to collaborate on creative solutions for immediate needs and future…”
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Led letter from 39 members supporting Trump executive order protecting vulnerable newborns.
“All infants—especially those with disabilities or conditions requiring life-sustaining care after birth—deserve love, compassion, and equal protection under the law.”
Infant Health ProtectionAI-read
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Led 128 GOP lawmakers requesting federal investigation into Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding.
“We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) review and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation into the activities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization's affiliates.”
Planned Parenthood FundingAI-read
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Led 126 lawmakers urging HHS Inspector General to investigate Planned Parenthood.
“In particular, these concerns relate to whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization’s affiliates have adhered to applicable requirements governing program integrity, financial accountability, and the proper use of funds provided through HHS-administered programs.”
Planned Parenthood FundingAI-read
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FEMA Region 2 Administrator Hartnett to survey Nor’easter damage with Chris Smith
Joined FEMA administrator surveying Nor'easter damage in New Jersey coastal communities.
“Last week, New Jersey—and especially the shore communities within our Fourth Congressional District—experienced a severe Nor’easter, bringing heavy rains, damaging winds, and substantial, prolonged flooding. The storm also caused significant and dangerous beach erosion, as well as thousands of power outages across the…”
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Defended Hyde Amendment restricting federal Medicaid funding for abortion.
“An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator.”
Abortion PolicyAI-read
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Applauded State Department's new visa restrictions to combat international parental child abduction.
“restrict visa issuance to individuals responsible for, or complicit in, impeding the prompt resolution of international parental child abduction cases, as well as their immediate family members”
International AffairsAI-read
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Smith welcomes release of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu
Welcomed release of imprisoned Azerbaijani economist and anti-corruption advocate.
“I am overjoyed that Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu is finally free and safe in Germany, where he can receive the medical care he so urgently needs.”
International AffairsAI-read
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Provided emergency resources and contact information for nor'easter storm response.
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Highlighted legislation supporting Hyde Amendment prohibition on federal abortion funding.
“encourages the people of the United States to reflect upon the history and significance of the Hyde amendment and the loss of 63,000,000 babies through abortions that have taken place since Roe v. Wade.”
HealthAI-read
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Urged Trump and Rubio to press China for release of imprisoned worshippers and American citizens.
“to bring that same commitment directly to the table with President Xi.”
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The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Congress Warned About Beijing's Repression on US Soil'
Held hearing on Chinese Communist Party repression targeting Falun Gong and other communities in U.S.
“spiritual disciplines like Falun Gong suffer so horribly in China underscores that we have to do more, not less.”
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Held hearing on Americans detained in China, including 12-year case of U.S. Army veteran's son.
“He’s sick. His family has suffered. There’s no justice in allowing him to die in prison.”
International AffairsAI-read
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Held Capitol Hill hearing on Chinese political prisoners ahead of Trump-Xi meeting.
“Behind every statistic about political prisoners is a person with hopes and dreams, and a life filled with isolation and pain. Behind every person in a Chinese prison is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them. And behind many of those families is an entire community that feels…”
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Press release article on Smith hearing regarding Chinese political prisoners.
“It’s like that could be me. That could be my wife if she lives in China.”
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Urged President Trump to press China's Xi Jinping to release imprisoned Christians and prisoners of conscience.
“It’s one of those things where the Communist Party is ubiquitous, they want to be everywhere. And for the slightest perceived infraction, they will then arrest pastors and horribly mistreat them. So this is the time for the United States, I believe, and every freedom loving country to pivot and say, ‘Religious freedom…”
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Held hearing featuring freed Chinese pastor calling for release of imprisoned religious prisoners.
“This summit is a golden opportunity for the president to speak out and to do so boldly.”
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Opened CECC hearing on Chinese Communist Party repression of political prisoners and religious believers.
“The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”
China Religious Persecution ConcernsAI-read
Mentions H.R. 5491Mentions H.Res. 1259 · voted Yea May 13, 2026, roll 527
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Urged President Trump to secure release of Americans and political prisoners detained in China.
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Urged Trump to prioritize release of approximately 300 Americans detained in China at Xi summit.
“They only recognize one thing, and that is strength. I met with [Wei Jingsheng] in 1994 when he was released briefly in Beijing.”
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Chaired hearing on Chinese government persecution of prisoners and religious minorities.
China Religious Persecution ConcernsAI-read
Mentions H.R. 5491
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Hosted House floor special order marking Hyde Amendment's 50th anniversary.
“The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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WATCH: 'Free Jimmy Lai: Rep. Chris Smith | The World Over with Raymond Arroyo'
Discussed efforts to secure the release of imprisoned Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai.
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Chaired a hearing on the imprisonment of Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai ahead of Trump-Xi summit.
“This is all about whether or not journalists can report freely when the government can shut down a newspaper and prosecute its publisher.”
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Voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act to shield consumers from data center energy costs.
“Protecting families and communities from increased energy costs is paramount—especially after years of skyrocketing energy costs driven by Joe Biden’s ‘Green New Scam,’”
Ratepayer Protection ActEnergyAI-read
Mentions H.R. 9340 · voted Yea Sep 16, 2026, roll 672
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Held hearing on imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai ahead of Xi-Trump meeting.
“Jimmy Lai is not being imprisoned because he committed any act of violence whatsoever.”
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Hosted special order commemorating 50th anniversary of Hyde Amendment restricting abortion funding.
“An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society, deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator. The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Held hearing on imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, urging Trump to press for his release.
“At 78, he is the oldest political prisoner in Hong Kong, with his 20-year sentence looming over him. If he’s not free soon, he will most likely die in prison.”
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Held congressional hearing examining imprisonment of Chinese pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.
“China should not be making a dying man and a daughter, confronting grave illness, endure additional cruelty in the service of a political trophy.”
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Ahead of planned Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C.An appeal from Jimmy Lai’s son
Chaired hearing on imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai ahead of Trump-Xi summit.
“Today’s hearing is about Jimmy Lai—and an earnest appeal to Xi Jinping from Jimmy’s children to set him free on humanitarian grounds.”
Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom ActPress FreedomAI-read
Mentions H.R. 10406
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Announced House passage of Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act providing $150 million for Lyme disease research.
“My colleagues will recall that our distinguished colleague, North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan, suffered a tick bite and died in 2019 from encephalitis caused by Powassan virus—the current law and reauthorization is named in her honor.”
HealthAI-read
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Opened hearing on imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, appealing to Trump to press Xi for release.
“A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai”
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Highlighted GAO report finding 26% of ACA plans cover elective abortions despite Hyde Amendment.
“While the Hyde Amendment has saved nearly 2.7 million lives in its 50-year existence, Obamacare is a glaring exception.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Highlighted GAO report finding 1,719 ACA plans cover abortions for 4.4 million enrollees.
“The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Highlighted GAO report revealing Obamacare subsidizes abortions through 1,719 plans.
“Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Issued statement criticizing GAO report on ACA plans covering elective abortions.
“Moreover, until Congress can pass legislation requiring full Hyde protections for all ACA plans, we urge the Trump Administration to reissue the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule to ensure that consumers understand whether a plan subsidizes elective abortion.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Scheduled congressional hearing on imprisoned Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai.
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Remembering the Victims of 9/11
Honored September 11th victims and first responders at Monmouth County memorial ceremony.
“We must never forget 9/11 and be ever mindful that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism never take a holiday—nor can we.”
September 11th Attacks 25th AnniversarySeptember 11 CommemorationAI-read